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Light cruiser HMS Caledon (D 53)

22 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) conducted gunnery exercises at Scapa Flow. (1)

24 Sep 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol south of the Faeroer Islands / north of the Hebrides. (1)

1 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from the Northern Patrol. (2)

4 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol between Iceland and the Faeroer Islands.

On leaving Scapa Flow she conducted gunnery exercises on a target that was being towed by the tug HMS Buccaneer. (2)

14 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Scapa Flow for the Northern Patrol. She was to patrol south of the Faeroer Islands / north of the Hebrides. (2)

18 Oct 1939
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) arrived at Kirkwall from patrol.

She departed Kirkwall for Sollum Voe later the same day. (2)

19 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) arrived at Sollum Voe from Kirkwall. (2)

25 Oct 1939
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Sullom Voe for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol south-west of the Faeroer Islands. (2)

31 Oct 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) returned to Sullum Voe from patrol. (2)

2 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Sullom Voe for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol between Iceland and the Faeroer Islands. (3)

9 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) returned to Sullom Voe from the Northern Patrol. (3)

12 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Sullom Voe for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol south-west of the Faeroer Islands. (3)

18 Nov 1939
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) arrived at Loch Ewe from patrol. She had sustained some weather damage during her patrol. (3)

23 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Sullom Voe for the Northern Patrol. She is ordered to patrol northwest of the Shetland Islands. (3)

29 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) arrived at Sullom Voe from the Northern Patrol. (3)

30 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Sullom Voe for Newcastle-on-Tyne. (3)

1 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Newcastle-on-Tyne from Sullom Voe. She was then taken in hand for repairs and a short refit. (4)

3 Dec 1939
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) is docked at Wallsend Slipway & Engineering Company. (5)

14 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) is undocked. (5)

19 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Newcastle-on-Tyne for Plymouth. She was routed around Scotland and through the Irish Sea. (5)

21 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Newcastle-on-Tyne.

She departed Plymouth for Gibraltar later the same day. She was to join the Mediterranean Fleet. (5)

24 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth. (5)

26 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (5)

28 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Malta from Gibraltar. (5)

31 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Malta for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol off the Otranto Strait. (6)

10 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Malta from patrol. (7)

16 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Malta for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol off the Otranto Strait. (7)

24 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Malta from patrol. (7)

29 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Malta for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol off the Otranto Strait. (7)

6 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Malta from patrol. (8)

10 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Malta for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of Greece (Gulf of Patras area). (8)

18 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Malta from patrol. (8)

22 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Malta for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Aegean. (8)

1 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Alexandria from patrol. (9)

8 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Alexandria. (9)

13 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Calypso (Capt. H.A. Rowley, RN) and HMS Capetown (Capt. T.H. Back, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (10)

18 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Alexandria for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Aegean. (9)

26 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Alexandria from patrol. (9)

30 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Alexandria for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of Greece (Gulf of Patras area). (9)

7 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Malta from patrol. (11)

11 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Malta for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol off the west coast of Greece (Gulf of Patras area). (11)

17 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Malta from patrol. (11)

22 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Malta for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Aegean. (11)

29 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Famagusta, Cyprus from patrol. (11)

5 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Famagusta for Haifa. (12)

6 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Haifa from Famagusta. (12)

8 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Haifa for contraband patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the Ionian Sea. (12)

16 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Port Said from patrol. (12)

20 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Port Said for Alexandria. (12)

21 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Alexandria from Port Said. (12)

24 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Port Said from escort duty. (12)

28 May 1940
HMS Dragon (Capt. R.G. Bowes-Lyon, MVO, RN) and HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Aden from Suez.

After fuelling HMS Dragon departed for Kilindini / Mombasa later the same day. (13)

30 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden for Suez. (12)

3 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Suez from Aden. She immediately transited the Suez Canal northbound and arrived at Port Said later the same day. (14)

26 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) is docked in the floating dock (AFD 5) at Alexandria. (15)

28 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) is undocked. (15)

10 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Alexandria for Suez. (16)

11 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) transited the Suez Canal southbound and arrived at Suez later the same day. (16)

11 Aug 1940

Convoy BS 2½ or BS 2A.

This convoy departed Suez on 11 August 1940.

It was made up of the (troop) transports; Ellenga (British, 5196 GRT, built 1911, with 484k military personnel on board) and Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN).

Around 1600C/13, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) joined.

Around 1900C/14, the tanker Athelstane (British (tanker), 5571 GRT, built 1918) joined coming from Port Sudan.

Around 2000C/16, HMS Grimsby parted company.

The convoy arrived at Aden on 17 August 1940. (17)

12 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Suez to overtake and join convoy BS 2A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BS 2A ' for 11 August 1940.] (16)

17 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) arrived at Aden with convoy BS 2A. (16)

18 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Aden for operations near Berbera. She returned to Aden the following day.

[For more info see the event ' Evacuation of Berbera ' for 16 August 1940.] (16)

24 Aug 1940

Convoy BN 3½ or BN 3A.

This convoy departed Aden on 11 August 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports / tankers; California Star (British, 8300 GRT, built 1938), Captain A.F. Lucas (Panamanian (tanker), 4188 GRT, built 1904), Charlbury (British, 4836 GRT, built 1940), Dafila (British, 1940 GRT, built 1927), Ethiopia (British, 5574 GRT, built 1922), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Helen Moller (British, 5259 GRT, built 1918) and Myrtlebank (British, 5150 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloop HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN). The sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) joined at sea around 2235C/24 from convoy BS 3.

The convoy was dispersed on 27 August 1940. The Ethiopia and Harpalycus proceeded to Port Sudan as did all three escorts. HMS Caledon arrived at Port Sudan on the 27th as did HMAS Parramatta with the Ethiopia. HMS Shoreham with the Harpalycus arrived the following day. The remaining ships continued on to Suez unescorted and independently. (17)

28 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) departed Port Sudan for Aden. (16)

30 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clark, RN) arrived at Aden from Port Sudan. (16)

3 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden to make rendezvous with the transport Dramatist (British, 5443 GRT, built 1920) approaching from the east. They arrived at Aden later the same day. (18)

4 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden for the Perim patrol. She returned to Aden the following day, early in the afternoon. (18)

6 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) conducted gunnery exercises on a target that was being towed by HMS Derby (Lt.Cdr. F.C.V. Brightman, RN). (18)

11 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden for the Perim patrol. (18)

14 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) returned to Aden from patrol. (18)

15 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden to make rendezvous with convoy BN 5 coming from Bombay.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BN 5 ' for 10 September 1940.] (18)

20 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0615C/20, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) returned to Aden from convoy escort duty.

Around 1250C/20, she departed again to proceed to the assistance of the damaged transport Bhima (British, 5280 GRT, built 1939) to escort her back to Aden.

Around 1430C/20, HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) also departed Aden for the same purpose.

They returned to Aden in the morning of 22 September with the damaged Bhima that was being towed by transport Ashbury (British, 3901 GRT, built 1924) (19)

26 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden to patrol off Djibouti. (18)

30 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) returned to Aden from patrol. (18)

5 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015C/5, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden for Colombo. (20)

11 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1400EF/11, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Colombo from Aden. (20)

18 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) conducted torpedo firing exercises off Colombo. (20)

21 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Colombo escorting convoy US 5A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 5A ' for 1 October 1940.] (20)

25 Oct 1940

Convoy BN 8.

This convoy departed Bombay on 25 October 1940.

The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports; Bahadur (British, 5424 GRT, built 1929, 45 troops and motor transport), Khandalla (British, 7018 GRT, built 1923, 369 troops and camels) and Rizwani (British, 5448 GRT, built 1930, 975 troops and stores).

On departure from Bombay the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Antenor (Capt.(Retd.) D.I. McGillewie, RN).

Around 1400C/31, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) joined. HMS Antenor then parted company.

Around 1530C/2, the destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0700C/3, HMS Caledon left the convoy with the Khandalla. They proceed to Aden arriving there not long afterwards.

Around the same time 26 more merchant vessels joined the convoy. These were the following; Aegeus (Greek, 4538 GRT, built 1920), Alice Moller (British, 4986 GRT, built 1914), Arena (Norwegian (tanker), 6362 GRT, built 1927), British Renown (British (tanker), 6997 GRT, built 1928), British Sailor (British (tanker), 5576 GRT, built 1918), City of Evansville (British, 6528 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Daisy Moller (British, 4078 GRT, built 1911), Haraldsvang (Norwegian, 3112 GRT, built 1920), Helga Moller (British, 5546 GRT, built 1912), Iris (Swedish,1974 GRT, built 1886), Katie Moller (British, 3100 GRT, built 1919), Kawsar (British, 7778 GRT, built 1923), Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Maliakos (Greek, 3903 GRT, built 1912), Nirvana (British, 6044 GRT, built 1914), Octavian (Norwegian, 1345 GRT, built 1938), Petros J. Goulandris (British, 4693 GRT, built 1923), Rosalie Moller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1910), Speybank (British, 5154 GRT, built 1926), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937), Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930) and Zamzam (Egyptian, 8299 GRT, built 1909).

The stores ship / transport HMS Breconshire (9776 GRT, built 1939) was also part of the convoy.

With them were the light cruiser HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.E. Horan, RN), AA cruiser HMS Carlisle (Capt. G.M.B. Langley, OBE, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN).

At 0615C/6, HMS Kingston was detached for Port Sudan taking the transports Khosrou, Nirvana and Rizwani with her. HMS Breconshire was also detached to proceed ahead to Suez.

On 7 November 1940, the escorts were detached.

The convoy continued unescorted to Suez and arrived on 10 November except for the Kurdistan with arrived the following day.

(21)

28 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Aden after escort duty with convoy US 5A. (20)

30 Oct 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1145C/30, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden to make rendezvous with convoy BM 8.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BM 8 ' for 25 October 1940.] (20)

3 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800C/3, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Aden from escort duty. (22)

10 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700C/10, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden to make rendezvous with convoy WS 3.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 3 (Fast) ' for 7 October 1940.] (22)

12 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) briefly entered Aden to fuel and water before she rejoined convoy WS 3.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 3 (Fast) ' for 7 October 1940.] (22)

27 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1650C/27, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Aden with the troop transport Highland Brigade (British, 14134 GRT, built 1929). (22)

30 Nov 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy BN 9¾ or BN 9B.

This convoy departed Aden on 30 November 1940.

It was made up of only on ship, the (troop) transport Suffolk (British, 11145 GRT, built 1939).

The convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN).

The escorts parted company around noon on 2 December 1940 and joined southbound convoy BS 9½ (also known as BS 9A).

The Suffolk arrived at Suez on 4 December 1940. (23)

30 Nov 1940

Convoy BS 9½ or BS 9A.

This convoy departed Suez on 30 November 1940.

The convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927), Columbia Star (British, 8293 GRT, built 1939), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936), Dorset (British, 10624 GRT, built 1934), Egra (British, 5108 GRT, built 1911), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Khedive Ismael (British, 7290 GRT, built 1922), Nevasa (British, 9213 GRT, built 1913), Oropesa (British, 14118 GRT, built 1920), Port Chalmers (British, 8535 GRT, built 1933), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926), Slamat (Dutch, 11636 GRT, built 1924), Strategist (British, 6255 GRT, built 1937) and Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924).

On departure from Suez the convoy was not escorted.

Around noon on 2 December 1940, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) joined the convoy having just parted company with convoy BN 9¾ (also known as BN 9B).

The Takliwa was detached to Port Sudan where she arrived on 3 December.

Around 1330C/3, the sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) joined coming from Port Sudan.

Off Aden the Christiaan Huygens was detached escorted by HMS Kingston. They arrived at Aden early on the 5th.

The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden shortly before noon on the 5th after which the escorted proceeded to Aden where they arrived later the same day. (21)

2 Dec 1940
Around 1200C/2, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) parted company with northbound convoy BN 9¾ (also known as BN 9B) and joined southbound convoy BS 9½ (also known as BS 9A).

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy BN 9¾ or BN 9B ' and ' Convoy BS 9½ or BS 9A ', both for 30 November 1940.] (24)

5 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200C/2, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN), HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN) all arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (21)

10 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1140C/10, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden to make rendezvous with convoy US 7.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 7 ' for 14 November 1940.] (25)

12 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2045C/12, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (24)

18 Dec 1940

Convoy BN 11.

This convoy departed Aden on 18 December 1940.

This convoy was made up of the (troop) transports / tankers; Adelfotis (Greek, 5838 GRT, built 1917), Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Athelchief (British (tanker), 10000 GRT, built 1939), Ayamonte (British (tanker), 845 GRT, built 1899), Benalder (British, 5161 GRT, built 1919), British Energy (British (tanker), 7209 GRT, built 1931), City of Dundee (British, 5273 GRT, built 1921), City of Yokohama (British, 7341 GRT, built 1922), Crista (British, 2590 GRT, built 1938), Derwenthall (British, 4934 GRT, built 1940), Diamantis (British, 5253 GRT, built 1919), Eidsvold (Norwegian, 4184 GRT, built 1934), Empire Light (British, 6828 GRT, built 1940), Floristan (British, 5478 GRT, built 1928), Fosna (Norwegian (tanker) 8202 GRT, built 1930), Gunny (Norwegian, 2362 GRT, built 1920), Gylfe (Norwegian (tanker), 6129 GRT, built 1930), Haresfield (British, 5299 GRT, built 1919), Harpalycus (British, 5629 GRT, built 1935), Hilda Moller (British, 4622 GRT, built 1912), Homefield (British, 5324 GRT, built 1919), Jehangir (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Norfold (Norwegian (tanker), 6370 GRT, built 1930), Point Clear (Greek, 4839 GRT, built 1920), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Rizwani (British, 5448 GRT, built 1930), Scalaria (British (tanker), 5683 GRT, built 1921), Urania (Panamanian, 1953 GRT, built 1902), Velma (Norwegian (tanker), 9720 GRT, built 1930) and Vilja (Norwegian (tanker), 6672 GRT, built 1928).

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN).

On 20 December, the Gylfe arrived back Aden with engine defects.

On 21 December, the Port Sudan Section, made up of the Ayamonte, Benalder, Derwenthall, Point Clear and Rizwani parted company with the convoy. They were escorted by HMS Flamingo which rejoined the convoy after having escorted these ships to Port Sudan.

On 22 December, southbound convoy BS 11 was met and HMS Caledon, HMS Flamingo, HMS Auckland and HMS Shoreham joined this convoy while the escort of convoy BS 11, the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN), joined convoy BN 11.

On 23 December, the Akbar arrived at Jeddah after having parted company with the convoy earlier.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 25 December 1940. Some ships of the convoy (stragglers) arrived later. (21)

19 Dec 1940

Convoy BS 11.

This convoy departed Suez on 19 December 1940.

This convoy was made up of the (troop) transports / tankers; Alcides (British, 7634 GRT, built 1930), Beaconstreet (British (tanker), 7467 GRT, built 1927), British Captain (British (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1923), British Destiny (British (tanker), 8470 GRT, built 1937), British Loyalty (British (tanker), 6993 GRT, built 1928), British Sergeant (British (tanker), 5868 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Cleanthis (Greek, 4153 GRT, built 1911), Guido (British, 3921 GRT, built 1920), Hannah Moller (British, 2931 GRT, built 1911), Haraldsvang (Norwegian, 3112 GRT, built 1920), Hatarana (British, 7522 GRT, built 1917), Kurdistan (British, 5844 GRT, built 1928), Liss (Norwegian (tanker), 5932 GRT, built 1921), New Zealand Star (British, 10740 GRT, built 1935), Retriever (British (cable ship) 674 GRT, built 1909), Rhesus (British, 6530 GRT, built 1911), Talamba (British, 8018 GRT, built 1924) and Turbo (British (tanker), 4781 GRT, built 1912).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN).

The Hatarana was detached to Safana, most likely on 20 December.

On 22 December the northbound convoy BN 11 was met. HMS Grimsby and HMIS Clive then parted company with convoy BS 11 and joined convoy BN 11. The escort of convoy BN 11, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) joined convoy BS 11.

The Retriever was detached to Port Sudan on 21 December 1940.

On 22 December 1940, the (troop) transports El Madina (British, 3962 GRT, built 1937) and Jalaputra (British, 4856 GRT, built 1906) departed Port Sudan and joined the convoy.

On 24 December 1940, the sloop HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) joined the convoy coming from Port Sudan which she had departed on 22 December possibly escorting the above two ships.

The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 27 December 1940. (21)

22 Dec 1940
Around 1410C/22, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) parted company with northbound convoy BN 11 and joined southbound convoy BS 11.

At the same time HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) parted company with southbound convoy BS 11 and joined northbound convoy BN 11.

[For more info on these convoys see the events ' Convoy BN 11 ' for 18 December 1940 and ' Convoy BS 11 ', for 19 December 1940.] (24)

27 Dec 1940
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN), HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) all arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (21)

29 Dec 1940

Convoy BN 11½ or BN 11B.

This convoy departed Aden on 29 December 1940.

It was made up of the following (troop) transport / tankers; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Athelstane (British (tanker), 5571 GRT, built 1918), Bangalore (British, 6067 GRT, built 1928), Canadian Cruiser (Canadian, 7178 GRT, built 1921), City of Karachi (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), City of Lyons (British, 7063 GRT, built 1926), City of Windsor (British, 7218 GRT, built 1923), Empire Protector (British, 6181 GRT, built 1921), Islami (British, 5879 GRT, built 1934), Rahmani (British, 5463 GRT, built 1928), Ranee (British, 5060 GRT, built 1928), Svenor (Norwegian (tanker), 7616 GRT, built 1931) and Thelma (Norwegian (tanker), 8297 GRT, built 1937)

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN).

Around 0800C/1, the (troop) transports Dunera (British, 11162 GRT, built 1937) and Ethiopia (British, 5574 GRT, built 1922) joined coming from Port Sudan. They were escorted by the sloop HMAS Yarra (Lt.Cdr. W.H. Harrington, RAN). They had departed Port Sudan on 31 December 1940.

HMS Caledon, HMS Auckland and HMS Shoreham then parted company and proceeded to Port Sudan where they arrived later the same day. They took the Athelstane, Canadian Cruiser and Empire Protector.

The Islami and Rahmani arrived at Jeddah on 1 January 1941 after having been detached from the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Suez on 4 January 1941.

(21)

1 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) arrived at Port Sudan with the ' Port Sudan Section ' of convoy BN 11½ (also known as BN 11B.). (26)

3 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) departed Port Sudan to join convoy SW 4A.

They joined the convoy around 0700C/3.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SW 4A ' for 1 January 1941.] (26)

6 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Kandahar (Cdr. W.G.A. Robson, RN), HMS Auckland (Cdr. J.G. Hewitt, DSO, RN) and HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (26)

11 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden to make rendezvous with convoy BS 12¾ (also known as BS 12C).

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BS 12¾ or BS 12C ' for 12 January 1941.] (26)

12 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)

Convoy BS 12¾ or BS 12C.

This convoy departed Port Sudan on 12 January 1941.

It was made up of the (troop) transports / tankers; Aldington Court (British, 4891 GRT, built 1929), City of Auckland (British, 8336 GRT, built 1914), Drupa (British (tanker), 8102 GRT, built 1939), Gazana (British, 5284 GRT, built 1920), Jhelum (British, 4038 GRT, built 1936) and Silvermaple (British, 5313 GRT, built 1937).

On departure from Port Sudan the convoy was escorted by the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN).

Around 0900C/13, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) joined the convoy coming from Aden.

The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 15 January 1941.

The escorts arrived at Aden later the same day with the ' Aden Section ' of the convoy which was made up of the Aldington Court, Gazana and Jhelum. (27)

15 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During the night of 15/16 January 1941, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Hindustan (Cdr. G.V.G. Beamish, RIN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (28)

17 Jan 1941

Convoy BN 13.

This convoy departed Aden on 17 January 1941.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports / tankers; Ada (Norwegian, 2456 GRT, built 1921), Alcides (British, 7634 GRT, built 1930), Anna Odland (Norwegian, 4980 GRT, built 1939), Araybank (British, 7258 GRT, built 1940), Arundo (Dutch, 5163 GRT, built 1930), Ayamonte (British (tanker), 845 GRT, built 1899), Birchbank (British, 5151 GRT, built 1924), Brattdal (Norwegian, 4968 GRT, built 1935), British Science (British (tanker), 7138 GRT, built 1931), British Sovereign (British (tanker), 3657 GRT, built 1917), Cap St. Jacques (British (former French), 8009 GRT, built 1922), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Clan Skene (British, 5214 GRT, built 1919), Cortona (British, 7093 GRT, built 1921), Daisy Moller (British, 4078 GRT, built 1911), Daronia (British (tanker), 8139 GRT, built 1939), Diomed (British, 10374 GRT, built 1922), El Segundo (Panamanian (tanker), 3664 GRT, built 1912), Goldmouth (British (tanker), 7402 GRT, built 1927), Hopecrown (British, 5180 GRT, built 1937), Ima (Norwegian (tanker), 6842 GRT, built 1930), Jalakrishna (British, 4991 GRT, built 1937), Katie Moller (British, 3100 GRT, built 1919), Katy (Norwegian (tanker), 6825 GRT, built 1931), Khosrou (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Kyriaki (Greek, 5528 GRT, built 1912), Lynghaug (Norwegian, 2829 GRT, built 1919), Macuba (Dutch (tanker), 8249 GRT, built 1931), Mount Olympus (Greek, 6692 GRT, built 1920), Nicolaos G. Culucundis (Greek, 3201 GRT, built 1917), Ozarda (British, 6985 GRT, built 1940), Sitoebondo (Dutch, 7049 GRT, built 1916), Spyros (Greek, 6629 GRT, built 1918), Stagpool (British, 4560 GRT, built 1930), Star of Mex (Egyptian, 1116 GRT, built 1911), Tamaha (British (tanker), 6946 GRT, built 1914), Taubate (Brazilian, 5082 GRT, built 1905), Temeraire (Norwegian, 6465 GRT, built 1927), Tuna (British, 662 GRT, built 1907), Turbo (British (tanker), 4781 GRT, built 1912) and Vacport (British (tanker), 6774 GRT, built 1930).

The salvage vessel Protector (British, 562 GRT, built 1906) was also part of the convoy.

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), destroyer HMS Kimberley (Lt.Cdr. J.S.M. Richardson, RN), sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN), HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN), HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN), HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) and the river gunboat Cricket (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN).

On 18 January, the Ayamonte was detached to Kamaran Island escorted by HMS Shoreham. HMS Shoreham then departed Kamaran Island for patrol the following day. The Protector and HMS Cricket had also been with them. These ships departed Kamaran Island also on the following day for Port Sudan where they arrived on 21 January.

HMS Kimberley apparently also parted company with the convoy on 18 January. She proceeded direct to Port Sudan.

On 20 January, the British Sovereign, Daronia, Khosrou, Kyriaki and Sitoebondo parted company with the convoy to proceed to Port Sudan where they arrived the following day. HMAS Parramatta went with them as escort.

On 22 January southbound convoy BS 13 was met and HMS Caledon, HMS Flamingo and HMIS Indus then parted company with convoy BN 13 and joined convoy BS 13. The original escort of convoy BS 13, the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) then joined convoy BN 13.

Convoy BN 13 arrived at Suez on 24 January 1941. The Tuna had meanwhile been detached to Jeddah. (27)

19 Jan 1941

Convoy BS 13.

This convoy departed Suez on 19 January 1941.

The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports / tankers; Alpherat (Dutch, 5759 GRT, built 1928), Bucegi (British, 4501 GRT, built 1913), City of Christchurch (British, 6009 GRT, built 1915), Edward Blyden (British, 5003 GRT, built 1930), Eidsvold (Norwegian, 4184 GRT, built 1934), Gunny (Norwegian, 2362 GRT, built 1920), Hilda Moller (British, 4622 GRT, built 1912), Hoegh Hood (Norwegian (tanker), 9351 GRT, built 1936), Jeannette Skinner (British, 5800 GRT, built 1917), Jehangir (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Macoma (Dutch (tanker), 8069 GRT, built 1936), Norfold (Norwegian (tanker), 6370 GRT, built 1930), Nyholm (Norwegian (tanker), 5843 GRT, built 1927), Point Clear (Greek, 4839 GRT, built 1920), Pontfield (British (tanker), 8319 GRT, built 1940), President Doumer (British, 11898 GRT, built 1935), Prince Rupert City (British, 4749 GRT, built 1929), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936), Star of Suez (Egyptian, 4999 GRT, built 1926), Takliwa (British, 7936 GRT, built 1924), Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937) and Varsova (British, 4701 GRT, built 1914).

On departure from Suez the convoy was not escorted. The sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) joined on 20 January.

On 22 January 1941, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and the sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) joined after having parted company with convoy BN 13, though it seems that HMS Flamingo might have fuelled at Port Sudan around this time and joined the convoy therefore a little later. HMS Grimsby and HMIS Clive then parted company and joined that convoy.

On 22 January the transports Canadian Cruiser (Canadian, 7178 GRT, built 1921), El Amin (British, 746 GRT, built 1926), Empire Protector (British, 6181 GRT, built 1921) and Jeannette Skinner (British, 5800 GRT, built 1917) departed Port Sudan to join the convoy. They were escorted by the sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN). They joined the convoy early on 23 January. HMS Caledon then parted company with the City of Christchurch, Talma and Varsova. They then proceeded to Port Sudan. HMS Caledon later rejoined the convoy.

The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 27 January 1941. The Bucegi and Eigsvold proceeded to Aden as did the escorts. (27)

22 Jan 1941
On 22 January 1941, northbound convoy BN 13 and southbound convoy BS 13 met. The escorts of BN 13, the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and sloops HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) then joined convoy BS 13, while the escorts of convoy BS 13, the sloops HMS Grimsby (Cdr. K.J. D'Arcy, RN) and HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) joined convoy BN 13.

[For more info on these convoy see the events ' Convoy BN 13 ' for 17 January 1941 and ' Convoy BS 13 ' for 19 January 1941.] (26)

27 Jan 1941
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN), HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) all arrived at Aden from escort duty. (29)

1 Feb 1941

Convoy BN 14.

This convoy departed Aden on 1 February 1941.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports / tankers; Akbar (British, 4043 GRT, built 1924), Alavi (British, 3566 GRT, built 1924), Alcyone (Dutch, 4534 GRT, built 1921), Anglo Canadian (British, 5288 GRT, built 1928), Arena (Norwegian (tanker), 6362 GRT, built 1927), Atlas (Greek, 4008 GRT, built 1919), Axios (Greek, 5289 GRT, built 1919), Captain A.F. Lucas (Panamanian (tanker), 4188 GRT, built 1904), City of Cardiff (British, 5661 GRT, built 1918), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Cranfield (British, 5332 GRT, built 1919), Elpis (Greek, 3651 GRT, built 1912), Espercance (British, 5072 GRT, built 1923), Fagersten (Norwegian, 2342 GRT, built 1921), Goalpara (British, 5314 GRT, built 1919), Havre (British, 2073 GRT, built 1905), Jaladuta (British, 4966 GRT, built 1927), Jalavihar (British, 5330 GRT, built 1911), Jalayamuna (British, 4981 GRT, built 1936), Julia (Greek, 4348 GRT, built 1914), Konistra (Greek, 3539 GRT, built 1907), Kronviken (British, 2363 GRT, built 1904), Mina L. Cambanis (Greek, 5227 GRT, built 1920), Nils Moller (British (tanker), 6907 GRT, built 1922), Norse Lady (Norwegian, 3489 GRT, built 1919), Nurmahal (British, 5419 GRT, built 1923), Nymphe (Greek, 4504 GRT, built 1921), Observer (British, 5881 GRT, built 1928), Petalli (British, 6565 GRT, built 1917), Queen Adelaide (British, 4933 GRT, built 1936), Rosalie Moller (British, 3963 GRT, built 1910), Saronikos (Greek, 3548 GRT, built 1912), Solheim (Norwegian (tanker), 8078 GRT, built 1934), Themoni (Greek, 5719 GRT, built 1938), Uniwaleco (British (tanker), 9755 GRT, built 1905), Woolgar (Norwegian, 3060 GRT, built 1914) and Zannis L. Cambanis (Greek, 5317 GRT, built 1920).

On departure from Aden the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), destroyer HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN), sloops HMS Shoreham (Cdr. G.P. Claridge, RN), HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) and the auxiliary patrol vessel HMIS Ratnagiri (Lt. H.M. Clark, RIN).

The convoy was dispersed on 1830C/3. HMS Caledon, HMS Kingston and HMIS Ratnagiri then proceeded to Aden arriving on 4 February except the Ratnagiri which arrived on the 5th having escorted the Alcyone, Elpis, Kronviken and Observer towards there.

The other ships of the convoy arrived at Suez between 6 and 9 February 1941. (27)

2 Feb 1941

Convoy BS 14.

This convoy departed Suez on 2 February 1941. The convoy was made up of the (troop) transports / tanker; Anghyra (Greek, 2447 GRT, built 1923), El Segundo (Panamanian (tanker), 3664 GRT, built 1912), Fram (Norwegian, 2903 GRT, built 1907), Haresfield (British, 5299 GRT, built 1919), Helga Moller (British, 5546 GRT, built 1912), Mandalay (British, 5529 GRT, built 1911) and Rizwani (British, 5448 GRT, built 1930, with 1002 POW's on board).

On departure from Suez the convoy was either unescorted or briefly escorted by the sloop HMIS Clive (Cdr. H.R. Inigo-Jones, RIN) but if this was the case she parted company with the convoy on 3 February.

The light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and sloop HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) departed Port Sudan on 5 February and joined the convoy the same day. The sloop HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) also joined. The transports City of Florence (British, 6862 GRT, built 1918) and Sitoebondo (Dutch, 7049 GRT, built 1916) also joined coming from Port Sudan.

The Anghyra parted company with the convoy on 5 February and arrived at Port Sudan later the same day.

The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 8 February.

HMS Caledon arrived at Aden on the 9th as did HMS Flamingo very late in the evening having the City of Florence and Haresfield of the convoy with her to Aden. HMIS Indus arrived at Aden on 10 February. (27)

4 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and HMS Kingston (Lt.Cdr. P. Somerville, DSO, RN) arrived at Port Sudan after convoy escort duty. (30)

5 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) departed Port Sudan to join convoy BS 14.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy BS 14 ' for 2 February 1941.] (30)

9 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1050C/9, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (30)

10 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN), HMS Flamingo (Cdr. J.H. Huntley, RN) and HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) departed Aden to join convoy WS 5A.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 5A ' for 18 December 1940.] (29)

16 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Suez with convoy WS 5a. (30)

17 Feb 1941

Convoy BSF 2.

This convoy departed Suez on 17 February 1941.

This convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927, with military personnel for the U.K.), City of Bombay (British, 7140 GRT, built 1937), City of Pretoria (British, 8049 GRT, built 1937), City of Yokohama (British, 7341 GRT, built 1922), Devonshire (British, 11275 GRT, built 1939, with 1402 POW's and 95 guards), Dilwara (British, 11080 GRT, built 1936, with 1402 POW's and 98 guards), Diomed (British, 10374 GRT, built 1922), El Nil (Egyptian, 7775 GRT, built 1916), Ethiopia (British, 5574 GRT, built 1922, 144 troops), Felix Roussel (British, 17083 GRT, built 1930, with 1503 POW's and 107 guards), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925, with ? POW's and ? guards), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920, with ? POW's and ? guards), Lanarkshire (British, 9816 GRT, built 1940), Nieuw Zeeland (Dutch, 11069 GRT, built 1928, with ? POW's and ? guards), Rajula (British, 8478 GRT, built 1926, with 1202 POW's and 84 guards), Rohna (British, 8602 GRT, built 1926, with 1702 POW's and 119 guards), Santhia (British, 7754 GRT, built 1925, with 1001 POW's and 70 guards) and Varela (British, 4651 GRT, built 1914, with 801 POW's and 56 guards. Also 173 military personnel).

On departure from Suez the convoy was escorted by the light cruiser HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN).

On 20 February the following transports joined coming from Port Sudan; Boringia (British, 5821 GRT, built 1930), Delius (British, 6065 GRT, built 1937), Shahristan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1938) and Temeraire (Norwegian, 6465 GRT, built 1927). They were escorted by the sloop HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN).

The sloop HMIS Indus (Cdr. E.G.G. Hunt, RIN) also joined on that day.

The convoy was dispersed in the Gulf of Aden on 22 February 1941. HMS Caledon and HMAS Parramatta arrived at Aden later this day.

On 23 February 1941, HMIS Indus arrived with the ' Aden Section ' of the convoy which was made up of the Christiaan Huygens, City of Pretoria, El Nil, Ethiopia and Varela. (27)

22 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Late in the evening, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and HMAS Parramatta (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Walker, MVO, RAN) both arrived at Aden from convoy escort duty. (31)

25 Feb 1941
Around 1700C/25, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Aden to join convoy WS 5B.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy WS 5B ' for 7 January 1941.] (30)

27 Feb 1941
Around 2200C/27, HMS Caledon (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) returned to Aden from convoy escort duty. (30)

Light cruiser HMS Glasgow (21)

26 Nov 1943
Around 1300A/26, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Plymouth for Horta, Azores. (32)

29 Nov 1943
Around 1300O/29, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) arrived at Horta, Azores from Plymouth. (32)

4 Dec 1943
Around 0520O/4, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Horta, Azores to patrol to the north of the Azores.

She also provided cover for convoy MKF 26 from 4 to 6 December 1943.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Combined convoy MKF 26 / XIF 4 ' for 17 November 1943.] (33)

8 Dec 1943
Around 1015O/8, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) returned to Horta, Azores from patrol. (33)

12 Dec 1943
Around 1600O/12, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Horta, Azores to patrol to the north-north-east of the Azores. (33)

16 Dec 1943
Around 1020O/16, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) returned to Horta, Azores from patrol. (33)

18 Dec 1943
Around 0900O/18, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Horta, Azores to patrol to the north-west to north-north-west of the Azores. (33)

22 Dec 1943
Around 1210O/22, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) returned to Horta, Azores from patrol. (33)

23 Dec 1943

Attempted interception, as part of Operation Stonewall, of the German blockade breaker Osorno, interception of the German blockade breaker Alsterufer and subsequent action on 28 December 1943, between HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise and German destroyers and torpedo boats.

During the latter half of November and beginning December 1943, movements of vessels considered to be possible blockade breakers along the French coast of the Bay of Biscay, together with reports received that these ships were fully loaded and likely soon to start for the Far East, gave reason for intensifying operation Stonewall. The long winter nights also would probably be used by the enemy to bring back from the Far East some of the ships which had managed to evade the blockade at the end of 1942 beginning of 1943.

The surface forces available to the C-in-C, Plymouth for the operation were two light cruisers; HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) and HMNZS Gambia (Capt. N.J.W. William-Powlett, DSC, RN). These were reinforced by the arrival of HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) at Plymouth on 23 December 1943 on completion of her post refit working up period at Scapa Flow.

The initial dispositions for the upcoming period were basd on the following considerations;
A) It was desirable to locate inward bound blockade breakers as far west as possible and that main reliance on this must be based on air patrols.
B) The density of these air patrol, owing to various causes, were always somewhat uncertain.
C) It was anticipated that the presence of outward bound blockade runners would be revealed at the earliest possible moment due to the aircraft on anti-uboat patrol over the Bay of Biscay.
D) Cruiser patrols should be as close as possible to the air patrol line to ensure that the earliest possible use is made of air sightings, and to reduce the likelihood of contact being lost owing to the exhaustion of fuel in the aircraft (as had happened before).
E) It was not considered desirable to maintain constant cruiser patrol east of 25°W due to the presence of German HE 177 long range bombers in Bordeaux.
F) It was considered desirable that no cruiser should have less then 3-4 days endurance remaining when the enemy would be sighted.

Arising out of the above considerations great importance was attached to the air patrol to the northward of the Azores (patrol H, between positions NN (42.05'N, 31.18'W) and OO (48°58'N, 34°04'W), 50 nautical miles on either side of this line and later patrol L, between positions QQ (43.10'N, 30.00'W) and OO (49°50'N, 30°00'W), 50 nautical miles on either side of this line).

This was backed up by the cruiser patrol from the Azores. HMS Glasgow and HMNZS Gambia relieving one other at 3 to 4 day intervals.

The endurance of HMS Enterprise, on the other hand, made her unsuitable for operations from the Azores so she was kept at Plymouth where she could be dispatched immediately on receipt of definite information regarding the enemy.

Passage of the German blockade breaker Osorno.

On 23 December 1943, HMNZS Gambia was operating on patrol line G (between positions LL (42°15'N, 30°10'W) and MM (49°10'N, 35°52'W), 50 nautical miles on either side of this line) having relieved HMS Glasgow which had returned to Horta to fuel on 22 December 1943. At 1911A/23, HMS Glasgow was informed that she was to leave Horta at 1100 hours on the 24th to relieve HMNZS Gambia on patrol G and that HMNZS Gambia was to return to Horta to fuel at 1300 hours on the 26th.

At 2035A/23, the C-in-C Plymouth, received a telephone call from the Admiralty that an aircraft from USS Card (T/Capt. A.J. Isbell, USN) had sighted an unknown vessel in position 47°45'N, 18°53'W at 1539 hours on the 23rd. This ship had been steering a course of 110° at 10 knots. This vessel could not be identified as being Allied and was therefore most probably a German blockade runner. This vessel must have passed patrol line H at some time on 21st December but had not been detected.

At the same time, reports were beginning to come in from aircraft flying patrols over the Bay of Biscay of A.S.V. (airborne surface vessel - radar) contact with surface vessels. The first of these indicated that some 12 ships were proceeding on a westerly course in position 45°38'N, 06°18'W and that their speed was 20 knots. Subsequent reports during the night gave various positions and composition of the enemy force, but all agreed that their course was westerly and that there were destroyers and also a merchant ship or ships present.

In fact there was no German outward blockade runner present. Six destroyers of the 8th German destroyer flotilla had left the Gironde around 0530B/23. These were the destroyers Z 27 (Senior Officer), Z 23, Z 24, Z 32, Z 37 and ZH 1. Half an hour before, at 0500B/23, the German 4th torpedo boat flotilla had left Brest. These were the torpedo boats T 22, T 23, T 24, T 25, T 26 and T 27. They were to join company around 1700B/23 in approximate position 45°33'N, 04°46'W (grid BF 8323) and then proceed to make rendezvous with the incoming blockade breaker.

At 2340A/23, HMS Enterprise was ordered to raise steam immediately and at the same time the Admiralty requisted the C-in-C Mediterranean to place one cruiser under the orders of the Vice-Admiral Gibraltar forthwith for anti-blockade runner duty. HMS Mauritius (Capt. W.W. Davis, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, CBE, RN) was selected for this duty and the C-in-C Mediterranean requested the Vice-Admiral Malta to sail her with all despatch. She departed Malta around 1715A/23, the Rear-Admiral having quickly stuck his flag and left the ship with his staff.

HMS Enterprise left Plymouth around 0200A/24 with orders to proceed through position 180° - Wolf Rock - 10 nautical miles and then on course 258° at 25 knots. Further instructions would be signalled later.

At 0240A/24, the Admiralty signalled to all ships and authorities in the area a resume of such information as was known at the time. It was obvious that the ship seen by the aircraft of USS Card, if she was indeed an enemy blockade breaker, had successfully eluded the Allied air and surface patrols, and no surface forces now could cut her off or overtake her before she was well under the protection of enemy shore base aircraft. There remained the possible outward bound vessel and any other inward bound ship which might be following the first one sighted. In order to catch these, and especially the former, new patrols J and K were instituted, J being longitude 24°30'W between 46°12'N and 47°50'N, and K being longitude 23°00'W between 48°12'N and 49°50'N and one more L, further out, on longitude 30°00'W between 43°10'N and 49°50'N.

At 0628A/24, orders were signalled to HMS Glasgow to establish patrol J by 1000 hours on the 25th and to HMNZS Gambia to establish patrol K at the same time. If nothing had been sighted by HMS Glasgow by 1900 hours on the 25th and by HMNZS Gambia by 2000 hours on the 25th they were to leave as to establish patrol L within 60 miles from 30°00'W by daylight on the 26th. HMNZS Gambia, who would be the first that needed to refuel at Horta, taking the part to the south of 46°30'N, and HMS Glasgow taking the part north of 46°30'N. Air patrol were ordered to cover the areas to the east of these patrols.

Reports from aircraft shadowing the enemy destroyer force in the Bay of Biscay continued to come in and at daylight a report by aircraft R of 105 group, a USN Liberator, gave the composition as 7 merchant ships and 4 destroyers still on a westerly course.

At 0852A/24, however, the situation was complicated by a report from Liberator H from 53 group that two destroyers some 60 miles to the southward of previous reports had been sighted. These were steering 138° at 18 knots. It was first thought these may be Spanish but as no destroyers of that nationality were known to be in that position it seems that that these must be part of the enemy force turned back for some reason and returning along the Spanish Coast.

During the forenoon, the positions reported by various aircraft which were shadowing varied considerably, but the latitudes were all between 45°N and 46°N, and the course given was west. The speed varied between 15 and 20 knots. The composition of the force was very difficult to assess but the majority of the reports indicated 10 or 11 units, of which one or two were merchant ships.

By 1100A/24 it was quite obvious that blockade running was in full swing, and the Admiralty ordered the destroyers HMS Caldwell (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Stacpoole, RD, RNR) and HMS Chelsea (Lt.Cdr. J.E.R. Wilford, RNR), which had been in position 42°30'N, 27°01'W around 0800 hours that morning, proceeding at 15 knots to the U.K. from Horta, to come under the orders of the C-in-C, Plymouth, but their state of efficiency and the amount of fuel on board was too low for them to be effective and the orders were subsequently cancelled. The Admiralty also requested the C-in-C, Mediterranean to sail HMS Mauritius to the Azores with despatch, and to replace her at Gibraltar with another cruiser so two cruisers were now requested from the Mediterranean.

At 1127A/24, the C-in-C, Plymouth promulgated to all ships and authorities concerned his estimate of the situation, giving 9 enemy destroyers with 2 merchant ships, possibly tankers in position 45°35'N, 10°56'W steering 270° at 15 knots and two destroyers in the vicinity of Cape Ortegal, eastbound, and the inward bound blockade breaker not yet located.

Air searches were meanwhile ongoing to locate the inward bound blockade breaker and at 1220A/24, a Beaufighter of 143 Squadron reported a large merchant ship of about 5000 tons with funnel amidships and a large superstructure round the funnel. She was sighed in position 46°00'N, 11°30'W proceeding on course 090°. The enemy force had meanwhile been reported as consisting of 5 destroyers and 4 merchant vessels.

By 1245A/24, the rendezvous had been made and the enemy had turned onto an easterly course, this being reported by Beaufighters of 235 Squadron. They reported the force as consisting of 2 merchant vessels, 5 destroyers and 3 torpedo boats.

According to German files the rendezvous with the incoming blockade breaker was made at 1246B/24 in approximate position 45°33'N, 12°15'W (grid BE 9322)

Up to this time it had seemed fairly certain that there was at least one outward bound blockade breaker and possibly two, in company with the enemy destroyer force. Now doubt began to arise.

However as the enemy force was now continuously being shadowed by British aircraft, it was appreciated that the enemy would be unlikely to detach an outward bound blockade runner alone and unescorted and it was also appreciated that the enemy would attach the greatest importance to the inward bound blockade breaker.

Consequently there remained two possibilities with regard to outward bound blockade breakers (if these were indeed present);
A) That the enemy had abandoned the attempt and were returning to France with the incoming blockade breaker and the escort.
B) That they would part company with the escort after dark then to proceede once more to the westward.

HMS Enterprise was therefore ordered after passing 09°30'W to steer for position 46°20'N, 15°40'W. She altered course to comply at at 1455A/24.

During the afternoon aircraft continued to shadow the enemy convoy on its easterly course but their signals on its composition failed to resolve the doubt about the presence of outward bound blockade breakers. It seemed that there were now 12 ships in all but the number of merchant ships reported varied from 2 to 7.

Around 1600A/24, 8 Halifax aircraft from 502 Squadron arrived near the enemy convoy and attacked it with 500 lb bombs. Few were able to report the results. Flak was heavy and evasive action by the enemy prevented any accurate observation. One however reported a hit on the larger merchantman who she assessed at 5000 tons. Another aircraft claimed a very near miss on another ship. Aircraft of 19 Group continued to shadow but any attack on the convoy, except by aircraft, was now out of the question.

Besides the possibility of an outward bound blockade breaker turning to the westward after dark there was the further possibility of a second inward bound blockade breaker closely following the first.

In order to guard against these contingencies, the C-in-C, Plymouth, requested at 1624A/24, the Senior British Naval Officer, Azores to arrange for an air search at maximum density, to be carried out during daylight on the 25th in the area between longitudes 18°45'W and 22°55'W, south of latitude 50'N as far towards latitude 42°N as resources would permit, the northern part of the area being the most important. This was to be instead of patrol H. HMS Glasgow and HMNZS Gambia had been ordered to patrol on J and K to the west of this area. Subsequently to commence on the 26th December, air patrol L was instituted between (QQ) 43°10'N, 30°00'W and (RR) 49°50'N, 30°00'W and was to be maintained daily.

At 1837A/24, a further situation report was issued, informing all forces and authorities that it was estimated that an inward bound blockade breaker had joined the enemy force at 1225A/24, in position 45°42'N, 11°45'W, and that the whole force of enemy vessels had turned to the westward at about 1300A/24 in position 45°35'N, 12°08'W and that it was considered all the enemy vessels were now eastbound, though it was possible that any outward bound blockade breaker might turn to the westward after dark.

HMS Enterprise was ordered, at 2012A/24, to establish a patrol on longitude 15°W between 46°50'N and 46°01'N until 0630A/25, when she was to proceed to take up patrol in the vicinity of position 47°50'N, 19°01'W until last light on the 25th after which she is to return to Plymouth. She reached the north end of the patrol line at 0023A/25.

during the night of the 24/25 December aircraft of 19 Group maintained contact with the enemy convoy, the reports of which continued to vary on it's composition but agreed on it's easterly course. At 0255A/25 an aircraft reported that two destroyers were 15 miles astern of the main convoy. Bombs were dropped by 9 aircraft between 0100 and 0500 hours, but no apparent result was achieved.

The weather on the morning of the 25th was unfavourable for flying and shadowing of the enemy convoy could no be kept up after 1140A/25. A striking force of 14 torpedo carrying Beaufighers and two special cannon Mosquitoes, escorted by 29 Beaufighters and 12 Mosquitoes was organised, but their departure had to be delayed owing to the unfavourable weather forecast. They did however, leave in time to arrive in the area around 1530A/25 but were unable to find the enemy.

By 1200A/25, it seemed certain that the enemy had not sent out any ship, and that the inward bound vessel would reach the Gironde, unless stopped by Beaufighters. HMS Enterprise was therefore ordered to return to Plymouth forthwith so that she might be refuelled as soon as possible to be ready for the next incoming blockade breaker. At 1255A/25, HMNZS Gambia was ordered to return to Horta to arrive before dark on the 26th and fuel with despatch. HMS Glasgow was also ordered to leave the northern end of patrol J at 2000A/25 and proceed to patrol L north of 46°50'N.

The Osorno and her escorts arrived in the Gironde in the early hours of the 26th where the blockade breaker hit the wreck of the sunken Sperrbrecher 21 and started to sink. To prevent this the ship was beached. The cargo was successfully salvaged though.

During the passage, at 1850B/24, T 27 suffered a rudder failure and dropped behind for some time before she was able to rejoin. She had to be steered on the engines.

At 0927B/25, ZH 1, which was suffering from engine trouble, requested to be taken in tow for which purpose T 25 was detached. She towed the damaged destroyer to the Gironde where they arrived late in the afternoon of the 26th.

Also, around 1945B/25, T 22, T 23, T 24 and T 26 were detached to proceed to Brest where they arrived around 1015B/26.

Interception of the German blockade breaker Alsterufer.

Attention was now very much directed to the possibility, and indeed the probability, that there was a second inward bound blockade breaker in the offing. It was appreciated that the Germans would wish to meet her and escort her in as much as they had done with the Osorno, and that the rendezvous might well be in much the same vicinity. This could be achieved by the German destroyers in a minimum time of 3 days, but this would involve a very quick turn around after reaching harbour with Osorno. 4 days was considered more likely and proved in the end to be correct. A still stronger interval was by no means out of the question. On the 3 day cycle the inward bound blockade breaker might be expected to have passed patrol line H on 24 December when patrol H was not flown and on the 25th for the 4 day cycle. Also on the 25th the patrol could not be flown due to other the commitments that had been made.

A gap had thus been left in the outer reconnaissance areas, through which a blockade runner might have passed on the 25th. To guard against this, the C-in-C, Plymouth asked Headquarters Coastal Command for an air search on 26 December, in the area between 50°N and 46°N, and 19°W and 22°W, adding that he attached the greatest importance to this. He also asked that patrol L should be flown on the 26th and daily thereafter, so as to ensure early air sighting if the enemy had not passed 30°W longitude on the 25th and to allow for interception by surface vessels as far to the westward as possible, the portion of the patrol line north of 46°30'N, being considered the more important.

Headquarters Coastal Command replied at 1640A/25, that 2 Liberators and 2 Sunderlands of 15 Group would patrol the area asked for from dawn on the 26th and that aircraft from 247 Group in the Azores would fly L patrol.

The general situation was further cleared up by photographic reconnaissance of La Pallice and the Gironde on the 25th which established that none of the possible outward bound blockade breakers had moved with the possible exception of the Himalaya whose berth at Brest had not been covered.

On the 28th photographic reconnaissance showed that the Osorno was at Le Verdon, apparently aground, but being unloaded. The identity of the ship was thus established without a doubt as the Osorno.

An alteration to the patrol ordered for HMS Glasgow was made at 1732A/25 when she was ordered to leave patrol J at dark on the 25th and establish patrol M between 47°25'N, and 48°05'N, and between 20°W and 22°30'W. She was ordered to be at eastern end of this patrol at about 1400A/26 and to leave the western end at dark on that day so as to commence patrol L north of 46°31'N, at daylight on th 27th. This patrol had to be given a general east/west line on account of the U-boat situation.

On the 26th, HMS Enterprise arrived at Plymouth at 1330A/26 and immediately fuelled. The fast minelayer HMS Ariadne (Capt. Lord Ashbourne, RN) left Gibraltar at 0930A/26 for passage to the U.K. HMNZS Gambia arrived at Horta at 1830A/26. HMS Mauritius, on arrival at Gibraltar, was found to have boiler defects. Therefore at 1952A/26, HMS Penelope (Capt. G.D. Belben, DSC, AM, RN) departed Gibraltar for Horta, Azores in her place.

During the afternoon of the 26th, further modifications were made to the patrol arrangements for the following and subsequent days. HMNZS Gambia was to leave Horta as soon as she had completed fuelling and then proceed at 22 knots to patrol L north of 46°31'N. HMS Glasgow was, at dusk onn the 26th, to search westward along 47°30'N and then to establish patrol N between 46°40'N and 47°20'N and between 23°04'W and 26°02'W at daylight on the 27th. The presence of U-boats in the area made it necessary again to establish patrol in an east/west line and further west then desired. HMS Enterprise was to leave Plymouth at 2200A/26 and proceed towards position EB which was in 48°26'N, 15°01'W at speed of advance of 21 knots.

In the evening news was received from the Senior British Naval Officer, Azores that the French large destroyer Le Malin (Cdr. J.E.C. Hourcade) had arrived at Horta on that day from Bermuda and that the French Naval authorities had placed her under British command. Her sister ship, Le Fantasque (Capt. C.Y.F.M. Perzo), currently at Algiers had also been ordered to proceed to Horta via Gibraltar.

Headquarters 19 Group arranged for 8 Liberators to carry out a search in an area bounded by the following points;
49°17'N, 20°26'W,
48°35'N, 17°40'W,
46°05'N, 19°03'W,
46°50'N, 21°50'W.

This area was based on the assumption that the next rendezvous with the destroyer escort and the inward bound blockade breaker would be in roughly the same position as that which had taken place on the 24th and be timed for noon on the 28th which, was now estimated to be the earliest possible date which the enemy destroyers could keep. In case the aircraft of 19 Group would be grounded on account of the weather aircraft from 15 Group were arranged as backup.

The stage was now set for the final act and the hoped for victim made his entry on the morning of the 27th. At 1015A/27, Sunderland T of 201 Squadron, attached to 15 Group, reported a medium seized merchant vessel in position 46°40'N, 19°30'W, steering a course of 120°. HMS Glasgow was thus to the west and HMS Enterprise to the east of the enemy. At 1036A/27, they were both ordered to steer towards position 45°00'N, 15°00'W at best speed. At 1000A/27, the estimated position of HMS Glasgow was 46°59'N, 26.35'W and that she would be on course 090° at 18 knots. On receipt of the signal at 1130 hours she altered course to 100° and increased speed to 27 knots and ten minutes afterwards speed was increased to 30 knots and course was adjusted as necessary to intercept the blockade runner.

Meanwhile Sunderland V of 201 Squadron went to the position given by T/201 and from then on contact was maintained and positions, courses and speed of the enemy were sent in by shadowing aircraft. As usual positions varied considerably, but the course of the enemy was consistently reported as a little south of east, and her speed was apparently high. At 1140A/27, a description of the ship was received from T/201 which fitted rather well with Alsterufer, an expected inward bound ship of about 2730 tons and 15 knots speed.

Shadowing aircraft were ordered not to attack until they had reached their prudent limit of endurance and at 1230A/27 the first attack was made, but it was not successful. After this several more attacks were carried out as aircraft reached their endurance limit but no hits were scored. Homing procedure for aircraft worked well and the enemy was kept under constant observation.

At 1124A/27, HMNZS Gambia who had left Horta at 2344O/26 and HMS Penelope who was on her way to Horta were ordered to steer at best possible speed towards position 45°00'N, 15°00'W. HMNZS Gambia was ordered to keep south of 42°N until west of 20°W, to avoid U-boats. They were also ordered to report their position, course and speed.

The weather over the English Channel and most of France was poor with light winds, drizzle, low cloud and fog patches. Some bases in the south were available for flying but it was probable that by nightfall all the British southern bases would be out of action due to weather. The Admiralty therefore requested the help of USS Block Island (T/Capt. L.C. Ramsey, USN) with her aircraft and her escorting destroyers (USS Paul Jones (T/Lt.Cdr. G.P. Unmacht, USN, with COMDESDIV 58, T/Capt. R.B. Ellis, USN, on board), USS Barker (T/Lt.Cdr. R.G. Colbert, USN), USS Bulmer (T/Lt.Cdr. G.T. Baker, USN) and USS Parrott (T/Cdr. J.N. Hughes, USN)) which were operating in the vicinity of 45°01'N, 22°00'W on anti-submarine work, to co-operate in shadowing and attack if opportunity offered.

At 1241A/27, the C-in-C, Plymouth ordered HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise to intercept and sink the enemy blockade breaker and gave her position as reported by aircraft as 46°50'N, 19°25'W at 1030A/27 steering 090° at 15 knots. The cruisers were to act on aircraft reports and were told that aircraft would be homing on 385 kc/s.

Le Malin was ordered to fill, the gap left by the chase of this blockade breaker, in the outer reconnaissance area, and to leave Horta forthwith to establish patrol L north of 46°30'N.

At 1254A/27, HMS Ariadne, on passage from Gibraltar (which she had left around 1815A/26) to the U.K., was placed under the command of the C-in-C, Plymouth. She was at that time in position 36°30'N, 16°00'W and she had to reduced her speed to 15 knots owing to the weather conditions.

At 1300A/27, HMNZS Gambia had been in position 41°50'N, 29°25'W, steering 090° at 27 knots.

At 1317A/27, the C-in-C, Plymouth organised the cruisers HMNZS Gambia, HMS Glasgow, HMS Penelope and HMS Enterprise into 'Force 3', under command of the Commanding Officer of HMNZS Gambia which was the most senior.

In the meantime, a striking force of 8 Halifaxes of 502 Squadron carrying bombs, was organised by Headquarters 19 Group and took off between 1300A/27 and 1330A/27, expecting to arrive over the enemy blockade breaker at about 1800A/27, being homed to her by the shadowing aircraft.

As a result of the shadowing reports, an estimate of the enemy's position at 1500A/27, was signalled by the C-in-C, Plymouth at 1554A/27 to the cruisers of Force 3, giving the position as 46°40'N, 18°14'W, mean course 115° with a speed of 15.5 knots maximum. Shortly afterwards Force 3 was told that it was estimated, from previous experience, that the enemy might have sailed 5 or 6 destroyers and about 6 torpedo boats to rendezvous, possibly before daylight on the 28th, with the incoming blockade breaker. Ships were also given the position of the previous rendezvous on the 24th which was estimated as being 45°40'N, 12°00'W.

At 1615A/27, Liberator H of 311 Squadron, manned by Czechs, arrived over the enemy to take over shadowing and at once attacked with bombs scoring a direct hit on the target on her after part. A heavy explosion occurred, the ship caught fire, and on the arrival of the striking force of 502 Squadron around 1800A/27, she was seen to be abandoned, heavily on fire and sinking. Excellent photographs were obtained of the attack by H of 311 Squadron which left no doubt that the ship sunk was the Alsterufer.

Action against the enemy destroyers and torpedo boats.

With the incoming blockade runner now satisfactory being dispatched there remained the possibility, if the enemy were not forewarned, of bringing the action to the escort force who would almost certainly be on their way to the rendezvous with her.

The enemy were indeed en-route in the same composition that had brought in the Osorno (see above) except for ZH 1 which was out of action due the engine trouble she had suffered.

HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise were therefore ordered at 1817A/27, to continue their present sweep, reducing speed at their discretion in order to save fuel. An hour later, at 1926A/27, further orders were sent to these two ships to rendezvous in position (SS) 45°14'N, 15°23'W at approximately 0200A/28. They were then to leave this position at 0300A/28 and to sweep on a course of 105° to latitude 45°N and then on a course of 090° so as to reach the meridian of 12°W at 0900A/28. If no information had been received by then, they were to sweep north as far as 45°30'N, and thence on a course of 270°. This approach was designed to bring the cruisers in south of, and out of radar touch of the westbound enemy destroyers / torpedo boats, and then to move them north between the enemy and his base.

It now seemed probable that HMNZS Gambia was too far to the west to be able to make a rendezvous on the next day with HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise so she was therefore told, at 1945A/27, to reduce speed to 23 knots. This was done with the object of saving fuel in case an outward bound enemy blockade runner accompanied the expected escort force coming from the French coast, and evaded HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise while they were dealing with the escort. In such an event, HMS Gambia would be well placed to intercept, but might have to do some hours of high speed steaming.

At this time also there arose some question as to HMS Penelope's state of repair, however, in reply to a signal asking her what maximum speed she could attain, and whether she had still normal endurance, a reassuring answer was received that she could steam 30 knots, her endurance was normal, and that she had 76% of fuel remaining. She took the opportunity to give her position, course and speed as 38°50'N, 13°32'W, 350° at 19 knots. The weather being cloudy with an easterly wind force 5. She was, therefore, likely to be out of the hunt.

In order to locate the enemy force as soon as possible, Headquarters 19 Group intended to send off 2 Liberators of 224 Squadron at 2145A/27, to carry out a modified patrol on the longitude of 10°W, and the cruisers were informed of this at 2300A/27. In the event, this patrol could not leave, due to weather, and it was not until 0630A/28 that the first two Liberators of USN Squadron 105 left to patrol between latitudes 45°N and 47°N and longitudes 12°W and 13°W. the second followed at 0830A/28.

Owing to the suspected presence of U-boats ahead of her, HMNZS Gambia at 2326A/26, was ordered to pass through position 41°20'N, 20°59'W, and then as previously ordered.

About midnight, the Admiralty broadcast a signal to all forces in the area that a suspicious merchant ships, probably an inward bound blockade runner, had been sighted by aircraft in position 47°20'N, 30°15'W at 1030Z/27, on a course of 135°. This ship was subsequently identified as a straggler from an Allied convoy, but this fact was not known for several hours.

At 0022A/28, HMS Ariadne was ordered to proceed so as to reach position 45°00'N, 15°00'W at 0900A/28 if practicable, and to patrol in that area until 1200A/28, when she was to leave and steer towards position 49°00'N, 17°00'W. She should thus have been in a good position to shadow and land what assistance she could to HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise, though to arrange a definite rendezvous with them was impossible without impending their freedom of action on the 28th.

The movements of HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise on the 28th would certainly take them within easy range of enemy shore based aircraft and though the weather forecast, which indicated probable easterly winds force 4 and low cloud over north-west France and the northern half of the Bay of Biscay, was favourable for the Allies, it was considered advisable to inform the cruisers of the C-in-C, Plymouth's intentions, and to arrange to withdraw them if necessary before the danger of concentrated air attack should be accepted subject to the following factors;
A) If no news had been received by the enemy by 1200A/28, the cruisers were to withdraw to withdraw to the westward without further orders, and ... B) If in contact with the enemy, the decision whether and then to break off action would rest with the Senior Officer present, taking into consideration the hours of daylight remaining, conditions for aircraft and the prospects of achieving decisive results.

The news mentioned above of another possible blockade runner approaching made necessary some provision to deal with her, if she evaded the outer patrols. After the expected movements on the 28th, it was certain that HMS Glasgow, HMS Enterprise and HMNZS Gambia would need refuelling and it was by now means certain here they might be. It was decided, therefore, to order HMS Penelope to proceed to Plymouth at best speed so as to be ready fur future commitments, and a signal was made to her to inform her of this. The Vice-Admiral, Gibraltar was also requested to sail HMS Mauritius, whose defect was now repaired, forthwith to reach position (NN) 46°01'N, 25°30'W by 1200 hours on the 30th December.

At 0317A/28, HMNZS Gambia was ordered to proceed at best speed. She increased to 28 knots for about an hour, but the state of the sea forced her to reduce to 27 knots, which speed she was able to maintain without sustaining damage. Meanwhile HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise had affected their rendezvous at about 0300A/28, by the help of radar, and were continuing their sweep, as ordered.

In order to clarify the position to Force 3, the C-in-C, Plymouth gave them his estimate of their positions at 0900A/28. They were HMS Penelope in position 42°28'N, 14°14'W, course 353° at 22 knots. HMS Ariadne patrolling near position 45°00'N, 15°00'W until 1200A/28 and then proceeding on course 342° at 20 knots. HMNZS Gambia in position 42°32'N, 18°45'E, course 050° at 20 knots. Of these positions, Ariadne's was the only oone to be considerably in error. She had been on position 40°01'N, 17°30'W at 0100A/28, thence steering north at 17.5 knots, her speed being necessitated by the adverse weather. Her Commanding Officer, states that although it was impracticable to carry out the instructions to reach 45°N, 15°W at 0900A/28, he did not break W/T silence to say so, since he had intercepted a signal sent by HMS Penelope which mentioned the weather in the area HMS Ariadne was also in. HMS Mauritius departed Gibraltar around 0915A/28 to take up the position as ordered (see above).

The first definite news of the hoped for quarry arrived at 0927A/28, when Liberator V of 105 Squadron (USN) sighted and reported 4 destroyers on a course of 270° at 14 knots. This seemed to indicate the Germans were still unaware of the sinking of the Alsterufer. A further signal from the same aircraft at 0940A/28 gave the position and course of three enemy ships as 46°48'N, 11°57'W, 270°. This appeared to be the most promising at Area Combined Headquarters at Plymouth. HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise were to the southward of the enemy and HMNZS Gambia was approaching from the south-west. Unless the enemy retired to the east again at high speed almost at once, the chances of contact appeared good. It was thought, moreover, that HMS Ariadne and HMS Penelope were nearer than, in fact, they were.

To facilitate enemy reports, two reference positions XX (45°00'N, 15°00'W) and YY (45°00'N, 10°00'W) were established and promulgated to Force 3 and HMS Ariadne. HMS Glasgow was ordered to take HMS Ariadne under her orders when action was joined. HMS Ariadne at 1031A/28, was ordered to proceed to patrol in the vicinity of position 45°12'N, 13°20'W her primary object being reconnaissance and shadowing.

Headquarters 19 Group at once arranged for shadowing to continue throughout the day, detailing for this purpose two Sunderlands and two Liberators. A striking force of 6 Liberators of 105 Squadron (USN) was also get ready.

HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise, who had turned north around 0900A/28, had meanwhile received the enemy report and at 0952A/28, increased speed to 28.5 knots and altered course to 010° to make further ground to the east of the enemy. The wind in the area of the cruisers was south-east force 5.

Further enemy reports from aircraft V/105 came in, indicating that there were probably at least 8 enemy destroyers / torpedo boats in the force sighted. This aircraft was ordered by 19 Group at 1031A/28 to carry out homing procedure, and aircraft X of 105 Squadron was ordered to listen for the homing signals.

In order to provided cover for the cruisers against enemy aircraft a force of 29 Beaufighters and 8 Mosquitoes were ordered to take off as soon as possible so as to rendezvous with with HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise in the vicinity of 46°32'N, 10°28'W. The cruisers were informed of this force by signal and the aircraft actually left between 1330 and 1530 hours.

At 1100A/28, V/105 reported that the enemy had reversed course and were proceeding to the eastward. Their position was 46°48'N, 11°47'W and the number of destroyers / torpedo boats was 10.

At 1130A/28, HMS Glasgow estimated the enemy's furthest on and furthest north probable position was that based on this report, which placed the enemy 45 nautical miles the the north of him, and steering east at 15 knots. This was not too good, as it meant that contact could only just be made. HMS Glasgow therefore altered course to 030°. However at 1120A/28, Sunderland Q of 10 Squadron obtained contact and made the enemy position 46°33'N, 12°30'W. This placed the enemy some 35 miles to the westward of the estimate previous given by V/105. Both shadowing aircraft were attacked by enemy aircraft but managed to beat off the attacks and were able to continue to shadow.

The situation was appreciated by the C-in-C, Plymouth and a signal made at 1155A/28, informing HMS Glasgow that it was estimated the position of 10 enemy destroyers at 1120A/28 was 46°33'N, 12°30'W, steering 090° at 20 knots. More weight was given to the report of the Sunderland owing to the greater expercience of the crew and the fact that she had not been in the air so long as the other aircraft.

It now appeared probable that an action would take place in the afternoon, HMNZS Gambia and HMS Penelope were therefore ordered, at 1215A/28, to proceed to position 46°N, 13°W and it was now intended to sent HMS Penelope back to Gibraltar for fuel on completion of the operation.

By 1230A/28, another Liberator, X of 105 Squadron, was in contact with the enemy force. It reported 11 destroyers in position 47°05'N, 12°40'W, steering 140° at 14 knots, indicating that the enemy had turned onto a new course to the south of east.

HMS Glasgow's movement during the forenoon were unknown at Area Combined Headquarters, Plymouth, but it had been assumed that she had been making ground to the eastward on the strength of the enemy reports received. HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise were therefore told at 1244A/28, that if no further information had been received and if nothing had been sighted by 1430A/28, they should then sweep to the north-west, their estimated position at that time being signalled as 46°31'N, 10°38'W. Before receipt of this signal, however, HMS Glasgow at 1309A/28, had decided that they had passed within radar range of any enemy to the north and decided to turn south-east to intercept the enemy. The enemy's movements were based on the estimate given by the C-in-C, Plymouth corrected for subsequent alterations of course as reported by shadowing aircraft.

HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise had been sighted by enemy aircraft at 1224 hours and again at 1330 hours, so it can be assumed that the enemy were aware of their presence. This was not known at Plymouth at the time.

While turning to the south-east at 1338A/28, HMS Enterprise reported that she had heard homing signals bearing 243° and 146° or reciprocal. HMS Glasgow therefore steadied on a course of 220° in the hope of hearing more and getting a plot, but no further D/F bearings were obtained or received.

At 1306A/28, the C-in-C, Plymouth, ordered HMS Ariadne to shift her patrol to the vicinity of 46°15'N, 12°15'W. On receipt of this signal, Ariadne appreciated that the fact that she was not in a position being unknown, might effect the tactics of HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise, who were obviously about to engage the enemy, and decided to break wireless silence and give her position, course and speed. There was also now no need to fear that her signal might give away to the enemy that fact that cruisers were to the south-west of them, as this fact must be already known. Her signal was timed 1400A/28, and gave her position as 43°30'N, 16°34'W, course 282°. Owing to a beakdown in her W/T transmitter her speed was not signalled.

At 1332A/28, HMS Glasgow sighted the masts of two vessels bearing 238° and simultaneously obtained radar contact on the same bearing at a range of 16 nautical miles. Three minutes later she made her first enemy report ' Enemy in sight, bearing 240°, range 12.5 nautical miles, 325° - Point YY - 118 nautical miles.

It was the Commanding Officer of HMS Glasgow's intention to fight the action from outside the enemy's effective range, which he took to be 13000 yards, and to engage any destroyer / torpedo boat which looked like reaching it. If more then one attained this range he proposed to turn away to reduce the closing rate.

HMS Glasgow opened fire at 1346A/28 with 8 enemy ships in sight at a range of 18500 yards. At 1350A/28, HMS Enterprise joined in. The enemy returned fire at 1358A/28.

HMS Enterprise acted under the following general instructions which had been passed when she joined company;
A) Keep on a line of bearing approximately at right angles to the enemy.
B) Keep within supporting distance of Glasgow.
C) Act independently to avoid possible torpedo fire from the enemy.

The action commenced with HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise on a southerly course, the enemy bearing 234° from them. The details of the action are best read in the action report of HMS Glasgow which we will put online on her page as well as on the page of HMS Enterprise. During the action it appeared that the enemy made much use of smoke floats, retiring behind the screen as fire upon them became effective, and in consequence the movements of the enemy are impossible to follow in detail.

In broad outline, the enemy appeared to have kept together on a south-south-easterly course for about three quarteers of an hour, during which time HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise engaged various ships among them as smoke allowed at long range. The cruisers fire appears to have been effective, and probably damaged several of the enemy during this time.

At 1400A/28, a Focke Wolf 200 aircraft released a glider bomb but effective AA fire from HMS Glasgow caused the enemy aircraft to take evasive action and the bomb fell harmlessly into the sea.

The enemy fired torpedoes with considerable accuracy at about 1420A/28, but their tracks were successfully evaded.

At 1428A/28, the enemy divided his force, four ships turning to the north-west. This was noticed by both cruisers, and though it seems that HMS Glasgow, who was forced to turn away at 1435A/28 to avoid torpedoes, fell out of the action for a few minutes. HMS Enterprise turned away to the westward after the northbound enemy, with whom she maintained contact.

HMS Glasgow soon came in touch again with the same force, the southern remnant of the enemy by now having turned away under smoke and disappeared before 1500A/28. The four remaining enemy ships which were now engaged appeared to be heavily hit and by 1515A/28, of the four one was damaged and stopped, one was damaged and retiring under smoke, one was being engaged by HMS Enterprise and one by HMS Glasgow from a range of 10000 yards.

These last two (T 25 and T 26) were sunk around 1540A/28 and as soon as the third (Z 27, stopped and damaged since around 1430A/28) had been sunk, the Commanding Officer of HMS Glasgow reviewed the situation. HMS Glasgow had fired most of her ammunition, and HMS Enterprise, whose electric gun firing circuits were out of action, was making repairs to these. Under these conditions it was not considered justified in chasing an enemy already out of sight. So therefore line ahead formation was formed and course was altered on 275°, speed 25 knots.

Meanwhile, at Area Combined Headquarters, Plymouth, the C-in-C, Plymouth had, at 1341A/28, ordered Force 3 and HMS Ariadne to close the enemy and at 1400A/28, 4 Halifaxes of 58 Squadron and 15 Liberators of the (USN) Squadrons at Dunkeswell (5 of 110 Squadron, 4 of 103 Squadron and 6 of 105 Squadron) had been despatched to the scene of the action, the cruisers being warned to expect them around 1630A/28.

At 1500A/28, the escort destroyers HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN), HMS Wensleydale (A/Lt.Cdr. W.P. Goodfellow, RNVR) and HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, RN), were ordered to anchor in the Plymouth Sound and remain at 1/2 hour notice. Also 5 MTB's of the 23rd Flotilla from Dartmouth left at 1700A/28, to lie in wait of Brest for the returning enemy force. The rescue tug HMRT Dexterous (?), at Falmouth, was also brought to immediate notice and the M/S trawler HMS Lindisfarne (Skr. S.G. Jinks, RNR) proceeded from Plymouth to Falmouth to escort the tug if required.

The shadowing aircraft, X/105, had reported the six enemy destroyers who had escaped to the south-eastwards, and continued to shadow until reaching prudent limit of endurance at 1610A/28. Although she carried out homing procedure, no other aircraft appear to have received her homing signals.

In the dusk, several of the USN Liberators of the striking force made contact with HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise, and of these, one, P of 105 Squadron attacked Glasgow at 1933A/28. The ships, unable in the half light to distinguish friend from foe, were putting up a heavy barrage of AA fire, but this did not deter the USN, who happily scored a miss about 100 yards of Glasgow's port bow. Four others of the same squadron located and attacked an enemy squadron of destroyers on an easterly course at about 1800A/28, but no hits were claimed. The remainder of the striking force failed to find the target.

Shadowing aircraft re-gained touch after dark, and the movements of the enemy forces (it was not clear how many were together) were reported on an easterly course until midnight, when touch was finally lost.

HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise were ordered to return to Plymouth by the C-in-C, Plymouth signal timed 1825A/28. HMS Ariadne was also ordered to resume her passage home and HMS Penelope was ordered to proceed to Gibraltar to fuel.

HMS Glasgow reported the general result of the action as two destroyers sunk as well as a torpedo boat. Glasgow's casualties were 2 killed and 6 slightly injured, with some minor damage to the ship. HMS Enterprise had no casualties and minor damage to the ship. The losses of the enemy were later ascertained to be 1 destroyer and 2 torpedo boats and not as initially reported by Glasgow. The remainder of the cruisers passage to Plymouth was uneventful and on arrival they were taken in hand at the Devonport Dockyard for action repairs.

On the 29th a lone German destroyer was sighted off the north coast of Spain, proceeding towards Bordeaux at 25 knots. She was shadowed for a short time, but bad weather conditions prevented a striking force from being sent to deal with her. Subsequent photographic reconnaissance of Brest and the Gironde established that four torpedo boats and four destroyers had returned to those ports respectively. One destroyer was subsequently seen in dock in La Pallice.

The outer cruiser patrol was maintained by HMNZS Gambia and HMNZS Mauritius, and the outer and inner air patrols maintained by aircraft of 247 Group in the Azores and 19 Group, until news was received on the th January that all the remaining inbound blockade breakers had been sunk in the South Atlantic by forces of the United States Navy. HMNZS Gambia and HMS Mauritius were then recalled to Plymouth.

Following the battle, Z 24, T 23, T 24 and T 27 proceeded to Brest. Z 32 and Z 37 proceeded to the Gironde and Z 23 and T 22 proceeded to St. Jean de Luz. (34)

24 Dec 1943
Around 0815O/24, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) departed Horta, Azores to patrol in the area between the Azores and the Bay of Biscay. (33)

28 Dec 1943

Action between HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise and German destroyers and torpedo boats.

Extract from the action report of HMS Glasgow.

At 1332A/28, masts of two vessels were sighted bearing 238°. At the same time radar 273 reported contact bearing 238°, range 16 nautical miles.

HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) increased to full speed and closed the enemy on the most favourable bearing, for if they turned away to the south they would be steaming head on to wind and sea (now 170°, force 4 to 5) and we could probably keep up with them, whilst if they turned to the north or east they were in any way bound to fight us.

At 1342A/28, 4 destroyers were in sight from the bridge and the first enemy report was transmitted by W/T giving their bearing as 203° and range 11 miles on course 130°. From the gunnery control 8 destroyers were in sight in two divisions of 4.

At 1346A/28, with now the 8 destroyers in sight HMS Glasgow opened fire at a range of 18500 yards. Own ships course was 180°, speed 30 knots and bearing of the enemy 234°.

HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, RCN) acted under the following general instuctions which had been passed when she joined company;
A) Keep on a line of bearing approximately at right angles to the enemy.
B) Keep within supporting distance of Glasgow.
C) Act independently to avoid possible torpedo fire from the enemy.

As there were no radar type 284 ranges of the enemy, type 273 radar was used for gunnery purposes in the early stages of the engagement. The gunnery officer was told to engage the nearest target failing any other orders from the Commanding Officer. In the event type 284 started getting range at 14400 yards and until then type 273 had been used entirely for gunnery purposes. When type 284 started ranging, type 273 swept across the enemy line to indicate the nearest target and did occasional all round sweeps to provide surface warning.

In the period from 1346 to 1400 hours, 18 salvoes were fired from ranges 18500 down to 14000 yards at three different targets.

The first target received 6 broadsides and then turned away. The second target was a large destroyer and received 3 broadsides. The third target was also a large destroyer and received 9 broadsides from the forward turrets and it was during this stage of the engagement that type 284 obtained its first ranges at 14400 yards.

HMS Enterprise opened fire, according to her own records at 1348A/28 (This was 1350A/28 on board HMS Glasgow).

At 1355A/28, the port 4" guns engaged a FW 200 aircraft and according to some reports this aircraft dropped a rocket bomb, clearly seen from the port director to fall into the sea between HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise.

The first recorded enemy fire was at 1358A/28. Their first shot falling over by about 200 yards on the port quarter.

During this period course changes were made as follows;
1349 hours, altered course to 190°.
1353 hours, altered course to 230°.
1357 hours, altered course to 180°.
1359 hours, altered course to 190°.
1400 hours, altered course to 160°.

In the period from 1400 to 1415 hours, 20 salvos were fired at ranges between 14000 and 15500 yards at three targets, one of which was engaged from 1402 to 1413 hours from ranges between 14000 and 15000 yards and is believed to have been hit.

At 1402A/28, HMS Glasgow sent an amplifying report by W/T of 10 destroyers bearing 204° to 224° at range of about 8 nautical miles. Enemy course 150°.

At 1404 hours, enemy shots fell very near and a hit was reported on the flag deck.

At 1407 hours, course was altered to 140° and to 170° at 1410 hours.

At 1413 hours, HMS Glasgow was straddled. Target was then shifted to an enemy bearing 180° and course was altered to 115°. An enemy bearing 232° had dropped smoke floats and was retiring behind them.

In the period from 1415 to 1430 hours, 28 salvos were fired at ranges between 15500 and 15000 yards at two targets bearing 180° to 200°.

At 1416 hours, course was altered to 135°.

At 1421 hours, course was altered to 151°.

These last two alterations were towards the enemy's fall of shot.

At 1425 hours, the enemy turned away and retired under cover of smoke.

At 1428 hours, HMS Glasgow altered course to comb torpedo tracks. Approximate course was now 030°. A torpedo passed 30 yards on the starboard quarter. Two more torpedoes passed to port at ranges of 100 and 300 yards.

At 1430 hours, course was altered to 170°.

In the period from 1430 to 1445 hours, the enemy destroyers which had turned to the south under cover of smoke were lost from sight and in view of torpedo fire from the enemy and separation of the enemy into groups course was altered 180° at 1435 hours to engage four destroyers proceeding northwards.

At 1435 hours, course was altered through port to 340° to engage a destroyer bearing 280°.

At 1441 hours, the enemy altered course away.

At 1443 hours, HMS Glasgow altered course to port to 290° to avoid torpedoes.

In the period from 1445 to 1500 hours, 15 salvos were fired between 1446 and 1452 hours at a mean range of 13000 yards.

At 1452 hours, fire was shifted to another destroyer which was engaged until 1456 hours at a range of 11000 yards. Hit were definitely obtained and the enemy turned away.

Between 1458 and 1503 hours, there was an engagement with a destroyer at a range of 12000 yards. 30 Salvos were fired during the period.

Course changes during this period was as follows;
1448 hours, course was altered to 235°.
1450 hours, course was altered to 260°.
1455 hours, course was altered to 190°.
1456 hours, course was altered to 180°.
1459 hours, course was altered to 310°.

During the period from 1500 to 1515 hours the main armament was divided from time tot time.

At 1503 hours, HMS Glasgow altered course to 340°.

At 1504 hours, fire was shifted to a new target bearing red 40° (approximately 270°). This destroyer was laying stopped and had its foremost funnel missing. 15 salvos were fired at mean range of 1000 yards when divided control was ordered. 4" guns also fired on this target. The two forward turrets were then ordered to fire on a target bearing green 30° also at a range of 1000 yards. This destroyer appeared to be on fire and turned away at 1508 hours. HMS Glasgow altered course to 180°.

At 1513 hours, the entire main armament continued to engage the destroyer on the starboard side until 1516 hours.

During the period from 1515 to 1530 hours there were 4 enemy destroyers in sight, one is damaged and stopped, one has been damaged and is retiring under smoke, one is being engaged by HMS Enterprise and the 4th, which is firing at HMS Glasgow, is now being engaged by her n a southerly course at ranges between 11000 and 9000 yards.

At 1515 hours, HMS Glasgow altered course to 260° to close. HMS Enterprise which was bearing 148° was ordered to close.

At 1521 hours, course was altered to 170°. Target was bearing 220°.

At 1527 hours, course was altered to 205°.

At 1530 hours, HMS Enterprise joined on bearing 040°. Meanwhile the enemy kept turning away.

In the period from 1530 hours until the end of the action the destroyer HMS Glasgow was engaging stopped. HMS Glasgow then closed to sink her.

By 1538A/28, it was reported the 'A' and 'B' turrets had only 15 rounds per gun left. HMS Enterprise reported defective electrical gun circuits and had expended her percussion tubes. The Commanding Officer of Glasgow therefore decided that the time had come to finish off any damaged any that could be found and subsequently retire to the westward.

HMS Enterprise was ordered to sink the southernmost destroyer which was in sight while HMS Glasgow proceeded towards the one which had lost its funnel and had been stopped at around 1430 hours. While closing the enemy did not fire so HMS Glasgow closed to 2000 yards and then sank her in 4 minutes. At 1637A/28, the destroyers magazine exploded.

All three destroyers / torpedo boats were sunk, one was definately a large destroyer, another was a large torpedo boat. It was thought the third was a large destroyer (this was not the case, it was a large torpedo boat).

On completion of the action the cruisers altered course to due west and retired from the area at 25 knots.

Sunset was at 1810A/28. At 1845A/28, in position 46°28'N, 13°01'W, five HE 177 aircraft were sighted on the port bow and were immediately engaged by the port 4" battery and the 6" armament. It is possible that one of the aircraft attacked with a glider bomb.

From 1845A/28 to 1930A/28, a number of aircraft, which could not be identified in the darkness, approached the ship as if to attack. They were engaged by the 4" and 6" armament with blind fire and then turned away.

At 1933A/28, one aircraft dropped a sticks of bombs in a salvo 100 yards short on the port bow. This was later identified as being carried out in error by a friendly aircraft.

The cruisers were given fighter cover from 1030A/29. The passage home was uneventful and they arrived at Plymouth around 1930A/29.

Extract from the action report of HMS Enterprise.

At 1338A/28, the enemy was sighted hull down bearing 238°. Fire was opened at 1348A/28 when the range was about 20000 yards according to radar type 272. Type 284 gunnery radar had failed about 20 minutes before the action commenced. All initial salvoes fired fell short. The enemy then also opened fire, salvoes falling over and ahead. During this phase HMS Enterprise confirmed as much as possible with the movements of HMS Glasgow, in order to be able to exploit mutual air defence if needed.

At 1350A/28, course was altered towards the enemy keeping 'A' arcs open, and shots were observed to fall short, but spotting was extremely difficult owing to vibration and very effective use of smoke by the enemy. As the range closed enemy fire became more concentrated and it was necessary to take avoiding action by frequent alterations of course. A speed of 30 knots was maintained with occasional reduction to 25 knots.

The action developed on a south-easterly course with HMS Glasgow drawing ahead. About 1427A/28, the enemy appeared to split into two or more groups still making use of smoke and firing with considerable accuracy. At this time what was thought to be an explosion was observed by several of the bridge personnel behind the smoke screen, and a column of smoke was seen to rise to a considerable height.

At 1430A/28, HMS Enterprise was attacked by a glider bomb which exploded 400 yards on the port quarter. The aircraft which had released this bomb was identified as a FW 200 aircraft. AA fire from both cruisers disconcerted the plane but HMS Enterprise's close range AA fire directed at the bomb was not observed to hit.

Meanwhile. at 1428A/28, the enemy was seen to alter course away to the northward. Course was altered by the cruisers to act on this by proceeding to the north-west to head them off. HMS Enterprise shifted target several times. Enemy return fire was spasmodic. During the run in a hit was observed on an enemy destroyer which was subsequently seen to stop.

At 1458A/28, course was altered to the northward and two destroyers were engaged as opportunity occurred through the smoke. At this time the ship came under heavy and accurate enemy fire and was constantly straddled. The main aerial was shot away but otherwise only some minor splinter damage was sustained.

At 1506A/28, HMS Enterprise passed with 4000 yards of the destroyer which had previously been stopped. Two torpedoes were fired at this destroyer but they both missed. By this time vibration and shell fire had dislocated control fittings causing serious problems.

By 1515A/28, only one destroyer was visibly which was engaged until he turned away at high speed five minutes later. As Enterprise's fire was was quite ineffective order were given to cease fire until director circuits were restored. HMS Enterprise turned to the southwards and reported her condition to HMS Glasgow.

By 1600A/28, the main armament was serviceable and HMS Enterprise was then ordered to sink a damaged destroyer which at that time was being engaged by HMS Glasgow. After complying course was set to the northward and a second damaged and stopped destroyer, thought to be the one hit at 1430A/28, was sunk by torpedo. Meanwhile HMS Glasgow was engaging another destroyer which was hit and seen to blow up at 1637A/28.

At 1700A/28, HMS Enterprise was ordered to take station astern of HMS Glasgow and course was set to 270° at 24 knots.

At 1850A/28, fire was opened on hostile aircraft and at 1940A/28 a bombing attack developed, apparently aimed at HMS Glasgow. Unidentified aircraft were engaged until 2000A/28 when a second attack on HMS Glasgow was carried out. She was missed by a stick of bombs.

The cruisers remained in company until arrival at Plymouth around 1945A/29. HMS Enterprise had 15% fuel remaining. (34)

30 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, RN) is taken in hand for battle damage repairs at the Devonport Dockyard. (33)

8 Jan 1944
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted D/G and compass adjustment trials off Plymouth. (35)

14 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800A/14, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth to make rendezvous with the battleship HMS King George V (Capt. T.E. Halsey, DSO, RN) coming from Gibraltar.

She joined the battleship and her escort around 1000A/16. (35)

21 Jan 1944
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. These included a range and inclination (RIX) exercise during which HMCS Athabascan (Lt.Cdr. J.H. Stubbs, RCN) acted as target.

In the evening a night encounter exercise was carried out with three destroyers / escort destroyers (identity currently not known to us). (35)

29 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Plymouth. (35)

9 Feb 1944
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted torpedo firing and gunnery exercises off Plymouth. During the torpedo exercises HMS Talybont (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Baines, DSO, RN) acted as target. (36)

10 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845A/10, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Gibraltar. (36)

12 Feb 1944

Convoy MKF 28A

This convoy departed Algiers on 12 February 1944.

It was made up of the troop transports; Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Stirling Castle (British, 25550 GRT, built 1936) and Strathnaver (British, 22283 GRT, built 1931).

On departure from Algiers it was escorted by AA ship / fighter direction ship HMS Ulster Queen (A/Capt. M.H.J. Bennett, RD, RNR), destroyer HMS Undine (Cdr. T.C. Robinson, RN), escort destroyers HMS Blankney (Lt.Cdr. D.H.R. Bromley, RN), HMS Farndale (Cdr. G. Ransome, DSC, RN) and sloop HMS Pheasant (Cdr. W.E.J. Eames, DSC, RN).

On 13 February 1944 the convoy passed Gibraltar. HMS Farndale made a brief stop there but then rejoined the convoy. Also joining from Gibraltar were the light cruiser HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) and the sloop HMS Redpole (Lt.Cdr. I.M. Carrs, RN).

Around 1800A/16, the frigates HMS Duckworth (Cdr. R.G. Mills, DSO, DSC and Bar, RN), HMS Berry (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C.S. Pirie, RNVR), HMS Blackwood (Lt.Cdr. L.T. Sly, RD, RNR), HMS Cooke (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Hill, OBE, RD, RNR) and HMS Domett (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S. Gordon, RNVR) joined the convoy.

Shortly afterwards HMS Undine, HMS Blankney, HMS Farndale, HMS Pheasant and HMS Redpole parted company.

Around 1300A/19, HMS Glasgow parted company with the convoy to proceed to Plymouth via the west coast of Ireland.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters later on the 19th.

13 Feb 1944
Around 0845A/13, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Plymouth.

Around 2300A/13, she departed again for escort duty with convoy MKF 28A. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKF 28A ' for 12 February 1944.] (36)

20 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1430A/20, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth from convoy escort duty. (36)

28 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1430A/20, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Plymouth. Also an rangefinding and inclination (RIX) exercises was conducted during which HMS Brissenden (Lt. D.D.E. Vivian, RN) acted as target. (36)

4 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (37)

5 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1415A/5, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Horta, Azores. (37)

8 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shortly after 0800O/8, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Horta, Azores from Plymouth. (37)

10 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shortly after 1245O/10, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Horta, Azores to join convoy MKF 29.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy MKF 29 ' for 2 March 1944.] (37)

15 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Shortly after 1545A/15, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty. (37)

21 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the morning, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), conducted speed trials on the Arran measured mile.

In the afternoon bombardment exercises were carried out. (37)

22 Mar 1944
In the afternoon, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (37)

23 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (37)

24 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (37)

25 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0715A/25, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for Plymouth. (37)

26 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1530A/26, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Greenock. (37)

30 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1530A/26, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), HMS Black Prince (Capt. D.M. Lees, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (38)

7 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted Asdic trials off Plymouth. (39)

8 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted trials / exercises off Plymouth. (39)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) and HMCS Huron (Lt.Cdr. H.S. Rayner, DSC, RCN) conducted A/S and torpedo trials trials off Plymouth. (39)

14 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100B/14, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Greenock. (39)

15 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100B/15, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Greenock from Plymouth. (39)

20 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (39)

21 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (39)

22 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted bombardment exercises in the Clyde area. (39)

25 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830B/25, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for Plymouth.

Shortly after departure a/s exercises were carried out with HMS Thorough (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hopkins, RN). HMS Glasgow also acted as target for the submarine during attack exercises. (40)

26 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130B/26, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Greenock. (39)

4 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
USS Augusta (Capt. E.H. Jones, USN, flying the flag of Admiral H.R. Stark, USN. COMTASKFOR 122, T/R.Adm. A.G. Kirk, USN was also on board), HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN), HMS Tanatside (Cdr. B.J. de St. Croix, RN) and HMS Melbreak (Lt. G.J. Kirkby, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Plymouth - Start Point area. (39)

10 May 1944
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), HMS Tartar (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Tyrwhitt, DSC, RN) and HMCS Haida (Cdr. H.G. De Wolf, RCN) conducted exercises off Plymouth. (41)

11 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the evening, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Plymouth. (41)

22 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1645B/22, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Belfast. (41)

23 May 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1350B/23, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Belfast from Plymouth. (41)

24 May 1944
USS Texas (Capt. C.A. Baker, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. C.F. Bryant, USN), USS Arkansas (Capt. F.G. Richards, USN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) and Georges Leygues (Capt. J.E.A. Laurin) conducted exercises in the Dundrum Bay area. (41)

25 May 1944
During 25/26 May 1944, USS Texas (Capt. C.A. Baker, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. C.F. Bryant, USN), USS Arkansas (Capt. F.G. Richards, USN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN), Georges Leygues (Capt. J.E.A. Laurin) and Montcalm (Capt. L.M.J.A. Deprez) conducted exercises in the Dundrum Bay area. (41)

5 Jun 1944
Around 0730B/5, to the east of Falmouth, HMS Glasgow joined ' Bombardment Group O '.

[For more info on the passage of ' Bombardment Group O ' from Belfast to the operations area off Normandy see the event for 3 June 1944.] (42)

6 Jun 1944
At 0500B/6, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) laid a dan buoy her initial bombardment position of 49°27.02'N, 00.52.00'W (this was off Vierville-sur-Mer) At 0554B/6, HMS Glasgow opened fire to participate in the opening bombardment for the Normandy landings. She is assigned to the Omaha sector.

Fire was ceased at 0630B/6.

At 0634B/6, fire was opened again.

At 0640B/6, fire was ceased.

At 0804B/6, fire was opened again.

At 0810B/6, fire was ceased.

At 0836B/6, fire was opened again.

At 0859B/6, fire was ceased.

At 1001B/6, fire was opened again.

At 1014B/6, fire was ceased.

At 1035B/6, fire was opened again.

At 1101B/6, fire was ceased.

At 1410B/6, HMS Glasgow moved closer inshore.

At 1425B/6, HMS Glasgow anchored in position 007 - Vierville-sur-Mer Church - 3.1 nautical miles.

At 1459B/6, fire was opened again.

At 1511B/6, fire was ceased.

At 1519B/6, fire was opened again.

At 1531B/6, fire was ceased.

At 1728B/6, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor.

At 1739B/6, HMS Glasgow anchored in position 017 - Vierville-sur-Mer Church - 2.9 nautical miles.

At 1744B/6, fire was opened again.

At 1806B/6, fire was ceased.

At 1953B/6, fire was opened on suspected enemy batteries.

At 1859B/6, fire was ceased. (43)

7 Jun 1944
At 0659B/7, fire was opened by HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) on a shore target in the Omaha sector.

At 0721B/7, fire was ceased. She had just came under enemy fire from shore.

At 0727B/7, fire was opened again.

At 0737B/7, fire was ceased.

At 0800B/7, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor. She anchored in another position 15 minutes later.

At 0925B/7, fire was opened again.

At 0952B/7, fire was ceased.

At 1002B/7, fire was opened again.

At 1015B/7, fire was ceased.

At 1042B/7, fire was opened again.

At 1112B/7, fire was ceased.

At 1314B/7, fire was opened again.

At 1334B/7, fire was ceased.

At 1410B/7, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor. She anchored in another position 10 minutes later.

At 1453B/7, fire was opened again.

At 1519B/7, fire was ceased.

At 1527B/7, fire was opened again.

At 1554B/7, fire was ceased.

At 1728B/7, fire was opened again.

At 1747B/7, fire was ceased.

At 1751B/7, fire was opened again.

At 1759B/7, fire was ceased.

At 1823B/7, fire was opened again.

At 1832B/7, fire was ceased.

At 1847B/7, fire was opened again.

At 1904B/7, fire was ceased.

At 2110B/7, fire was opened again.

At 2125B/7, fire was ceased. (43)

8 Jun 1944
At 0808B/8, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor. She anchored in another position 25 minutes later.

At 1130B/8, fire was opened by HMS Glasgow on a shore target in the Omaha sector.

At 1135B/8, fire was ceased.

At 1407B/8, fire was opened again.

At 1421B/8, fire was ceased.

At 1432B/8, fire was opened again.

At 1442B/8, fire was ceased.

At 1455B/8, fire was opened again.

At 1531B/8, fire was ceased.

At 1604B/8, fire was opened again.

At 1626B/8, fire was ceased.

At 1717B/8, fire was opened again.

At 1731B/8, fire was ceased.

At 1739B/8, fire was opened again.

At 1805B/8, fire was ceased.

At 1826B/8, fire was opened again.

At 1851B/8, fire was ceased. (43)

9 Jun 1944
At 1009B/9, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor. She anchored in another position at 1114B/9.

At 2149B/9, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor. She anchored in another position at 2219B/9.

No bombardments were carried out on this day. (43)

10 Jun 1944
At 0910B/10, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor. She anchored in another position 19 minutes later.

At 1208B/10, fire was opened by HMS Glasgow on a shore target in the Omaha sector.

At 1211B/10, fire was ceased.

This was the only bombardment carried out on this day. (43)

11 Jun 1944
At 0645B/11, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor and set course for Portsmouth to re-ammunition and refuel.

She anchored off Portsmouth (in Spithead) at 1118B/11. (43)

12 Jun 1944
Around 0800B/12, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Spithead to return to the operations area (Omaha sector).

At 1200B/12, she anchored to transfer staff of the 2nd Army Headquarters to the headquarters ship HMS Hilary (Capt.(Retd.) J.F. Paget, RN) for further passage to the Juno sector.

At 1245B/12, she weighed anchor to continue her passage to Omaha sector where she anchored at 1515B/12.

At 2131B/12, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor. She anchored in another position 11 minutes later. (43)

13 Jun 1944
At 1630B/13, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor. She anchored in another position 25 minutes later.

At 2146B/13, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor. She anchored in another position 5 minutes later.

No bombardments were carried out on this day. (43)

15 Jun 1944
At 0725B/15, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) opened fire for two minutes on an enemy troop concentration.

At 2057B/15, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor. She anchored in another position at 2128B/15. (43)

17 Jun 1944
At 2130B/17, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor. She anchored in another position (077° - St. Marcouf Island - 3.7 nautical miles), now in the Utah sector, 40 minutes later. (43)

18 Jun 1944
At 0850B/18, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor. She anchored in 005° - St. Marcouf Island - 2.4 nautical miles 36 minutes later.

At 1149B/18, fire was opened on a shore target in the Utah sector.

At 1158B/18, fire was ceased.

At 2113B/18, fire was briefly opened on two enemy 88mm guns.

At 2217B/18, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor.

At 2239B/18, HMS Glasgow anchored in the night anchorage. (44)

19 Jun 1944
At 1530B/19, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor. She anchored further inshore 25 minutes later.

At 1755B/19, fire was opened on an enemy strongpoint.

At 1816B/19, fire was ceased.

At 2205B/19, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor.

At 2227B/19, HMS Glasgow anchored in the night anchorage. (44)

20 Jun 1944
At 0455B/20, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) weighed anchor. She anchored further inshore 37 minutes later.

At 1000B/20, fire was opened on an enemy headquarters, a troop concentration and vehicles.

At 1031B/20, fire was ceased.

At 1457B/20, fire was opened on an enemy tanks, trucks and flak positions.

At 1516B/20, fire was ceased.

At 2219B/20, HMS Glasgow weighed anchor.

At 2242B/20, HMS Glasgow anchored in the night anchorage. (44)

21 Jun 1944
Around 2200 - 2230B/21, USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN, flying the flag of T/R.Adm. M.L. Deyo, USN), USS Quincy (Capt. E.M. Senn, USN), HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) weighed anchor to proceed from the operations area off Normandy to Portland where they arrived around 0800B/22. With these cruisers were also the destroyers USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN, with COMDESRON 10, T/Capt. A.F. Converse, USN, on board), USS Hambleton (T/Cdr. H.A. Renken, USN), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN), USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN), USS Barton (T/Capt. J.W. Callahan, USN, with COMDESRON 60, T/Capt. W.L. Freseman, USN, on board), USS Laffey (T/Cdr. F.J. Becton, USN) and USS O'Brien (T/Cdr. W.W. Outerbridge, USN). (45)

25 Jun 1944

Bombardment of German batteries off Cherbourg

Task Force 129 was ordered to bombard and take out the large calibre German shore batteries off Cherbourg.

It was decided to split the force in two and also additional ships were added. Group I (Task Unit 129.1) was to attack the German batteries to the west of Cherbourg near Querqueville. Group II (Task Unit 129.2) was to attack the German batteries to the east of Cherbourg near Fermanville.

Group I was made up of the battleship USS Nevada (Capt. P.M. Rhea, USN), heavy cruisers USS Tuscaloosa (Capt. J.B.W. Waller, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 7 also COMTASFOR 129, T/R.Adm. M.L. Deyo, USN), USS Quincy (Capt. E.M. Senn, USN), light cruisers HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) and HMS Enterprise (Capt. H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN) and the destroyers USS Ellyson (T/Cdr. E.W. Longton, USN, with COMDESRON 10, T/Capt. A.F. Converse, USN, on board), USS Hambleton (T/Cdr. H.A. Renken, USN), USS Rodman (T/Cdr. J.F. Foley, USN), USS Emmons (T/Cdr. E.B. Billingsley, USN), Murphy (T/Cdr. R.A. Wolverton, USN) and USS Gherardi (T/Cdr. N.R. Curtin, USN).

Group II was made up of the battleships USS Texas (Capt. C.A. Baker, USN, flying the flag of COMBATDIV 5, T/R.Adm. C.F. Bryant, USN) and the destroyers USS Barton (T/Capt. J.W. Callahan, USN, with COMDESRON 60, T/Capt. W.L. Freseman, USN, on board), USS Laffey (T/Cdr. F.J. Becton, USN), USS O'Brien (T/Cdr. W.W. Outerbridge, USN), USS Plunkett (T/Cdr. W. Outerson, USN) and USS Hobson (T/Cdr. K. Loveland, USN, with COMDESDIV 20, T/Cdr. L.W. Nilon, USN, on board).

To enable this bombardment, the area had to be swept for mines for which Task Units 129.3.1 and 125.9.3 was deployed.

Task Unit 129.3.1 was made up of the following minesweepers; HMS Sidmouth (Cdr. R.W.D. Thomson, RN), HMS Bangor (Lt. H. Sobey, RNR), HMS Blackpool (A/Lt.Cdr. G.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Boston (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.L. Choppin, DSC, RNVR), HMS Bridlington (T/Lt. E.M. Betts, RNR), HMS Bridport (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.G. Rogers, RD, RNR), HMS Eastbourne (T/Lt. R.A. Aldred, RNVR) and HMS Tenby (A/Cdr. R.W. Wainwright, RN).
Danlayers (M/S trawlers); HMS Bryher (T/Lt. F.C.C. Knight, RNVR), HMS Dalmatia (A/Skr.Lt. C. Dale, RNR), HMS Ijuin (Skr. T.W. Doddington, RNR) and HMS Signa (T/Skr. J. More, RNR).
Motor minesweepers; HMS BYMS 2032 (T/A/Skr.Lt. P.S. Farmery, RNR), HMS BYMS 2052 (T/Lt. C.E. Haste, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2055 (T/Lt. S.R. Wakefield, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2070 (T/A/Skr.Lt. J. Hobbs, RNR), HMS BYMS 2071 (T/Lt. W.M. Dougall, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2157 (T/Lt. D. McGrath, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2173 (T/Lt. A.L. Mulcare, DSC, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2211 (T/A/Lt.Cdr. S.E. Davies, DSC and Bar, RNR).
Motor launches; [Four in number, identity currently not known to us.]

Task Unit 125.9.3 was made up of the following minesweepers; USS Pheasant (Lt.Cdr. H.I. Pratt, USNR, with CTU 125.9.3, T/Cdr. H. Plander, USN, on board), USS Auk (Lt. D.L. Brantley, USNR), USS Broadbill (Lt.Cdr. O.B. Lundgren, USNR), USS Chickadee (Lt. W.D. Allen, USNR), USS Nuthatch (Lt.Cdr. R.A.L. Ellis, USNR), USS Swift (Lt.Cdr. R.K. Cockey, USNR), USS Threat (Lt.Cdr. H.E. Ferrill, USNR) and HMCS Thunder (A/Cdr. H.D. MacKay, RCNR). This last ship acted as danlayer. Also part of this Task Unit were three motor launches; HMML 139 (T/S.Lt. J.B. Foxlee, RNVR), HMML 257 (T/Lt. G.W. Lambert, RNVR) and HMML 275 (T.S.Lt. F.E.T. Dann, RNVR).

Movements of Group I.

Group I departed Portland around 0500B/25.

Around 1015B/25, Group I arrived in the assigned bombardment area. The minesweepers were still clearing the area at at this time.

At 1208B/25, gun flashes were seen on the beach.

At 1211B/25, HMS Enterprise opened fire. USS Rodman reported the coordinates of a battery which was firing on minesweepers sweeping in the area for the bombardment force. [We have been unable to find a detailed report of HMS Enterprise during this operation.]

At 1212B/25, USS Nevada opened fire with her main battery. Direct hits were obtained at 1221B/25. Rapid fire was then ordered. By 1229B/25 more hits had been reported. At 1232B/25, it was reported that out of the 8 guns of this target, 6 had been destroyed. By 1236B/25, more hits had been obtained and the Germans showed a white panel but Nevada was told to ignore this as there had been a previous deception. Fire was ceased on this target at 1327B/25. By then 32 two-gun salvos had been fired with excellent results. Fire was only ceased so that the main battery could also be used to engage the battery firing on USS Nevada at that time.

At 1213B/25, HMS Glasgow opened fire on an enemy shore battery that was initially firing on the minesweepers. Fire was ceased on this target at 1257B/25 after a total of 96 rounds of high explosive had being fired. Results were inconclusive according to the air spotter as it had been very difficult to observe the fall of shot as multiple ship had been firing at the same target.

At 1215B/25, more gunflashes were seen on the beach. Also the 5" battery of USS Nevada opened fire. Fire was ceased on this target at 1224B/25.

At 1216B/25, smoke was laid ahead of the minesweepers which were still being fired upon.

At 1218B/25, USS Nevada was straddled.

At 1220B/25, USS Nevada's part of 5" guns opened fire on another target. Fire was ceased after 5 minutes as the results could no longer be observed due to the smoke in the target area. It is believed that this battery was firing at HMS Glasgow.

At 1222B/25, USS Nevada was again straddled.

At 1228B/25, USS Quincy opened fire with 5" firing white phosphorus over one of the Allied destroyers laying a smoke screen which had come under enemy fire.

At 1236B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. Fire was ceased at 1252B/25.

At 1237B/25, USS Nevada was again straddled. Two shells landing 300 yards away on her port quarter. USS Nevada manoeuvred to get clear as enemy gunnery became more accurate.

At 1237B/25, enemy shells fell close astern of HMS Glasgow which took evasive action.

At 1240B/25, USS Nevada was straddled once more, now by an enemy salvo of four guns. All landed within 300 yards. Shortly afterwards and enemy three gun salvo landed 100 to 400 yards from the ship.

At 1241B/25, Four more splashed were observed close to USS Nevada landing at range between 100 and 400 yards.

At 1242B/25, a shell was seen to straddle HMS Enterpise at a distance of only 50 yards. USS Nevada was once again straddled by two shells, distance 400 yards.

At 1243B/25, two more shells landed within 50 yards of HMS Enterpise. Six splashes were seen from USS Nevada near HMS Glasgow.

At 1245B/25, a shell landed with 50 yards of USS Nevada.

At 1246B/25, HMS Glasgow was straddled. USS Nevada opened fire with 5" guns on an enemy battery of four 6" guns. Nevada's gunfire was aided by air spotting. Fire on this target ceased at 1311B/25, with undetermined results.

At 1248B/25, both USS Nevada and HMS Glasgow were straddled followed by a hit amidships on HMS Glasgow which reported being hit in the hangar. Also USS Nevada commenced firing on another target with her 5" guns. Fire was ceased on this target at 1305B/25.

At 1250B/25, an enemy shell straddled USS Nevada by 25 yards. HMS Glasgow was hit again by enemy gunfire. She reported being hit on the after superstructure.

At 1252B/25, both USS Nevada and HMS Glasgow were straddled again.

At 1256B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on another now active battery. fire was ceased at 1302B/25. The battery could not be observed by the spotter aircraft but the salvos were observed from the ship to explode near the enemy gun flashes.

At 1257B/25, USS Nevada was straddled again.

At 1258B/25, USS Emmons opened fire on a small fort where flashes of gunfire were observed. At 1308B/25, he came under fire from another shore battery and was forced to retire to the north making use of smoke that was being laid by USS Rodman. USS Emmons ceased fire at 1313B/25. 64 rounds had been expended.

At 1259B/25, USS Quincy opened fire with her 5" battery. 56 rounds were fired into the target area and hits were reported.

At 1300B/25, three enemy salvos landed 400 yards from USS Quincy. Which then opened fire on a target with her 8" main battery. Fire was ceased at 1310B/25. 10 rounds had been fired and the result was reported as successful.

At 1301B/25, an enemy three gun salvo was seen to straddle HMS Enterprise from USS Quincy.

At 1302B/25, the plane which was spotting for USS Tuscaloosa reported that it had been hit by enemy AA fire and that it was returning to her base.

At 1303B/25, HMS Enterprise was straddled twice.

At 1304B/25, USS Nevada was straddled again. It landed so close on the unengaged side that it was a miracle that it did not hit the ship. Splinters landed on No.4 gun turret.

At 1305B/25, an enemy shell landed 100 yards off the beam of USS Nevada.

At 1310B/25, it appeared that the enemy battery that had been firing on HMS Enterprise shifted target to USS Quincy.

At 1311B/25, HMS Glasgow opened fire on a new target. Fire was ceased at 1337B/25 after 54 rounds of HE had been expended. The results were not known.

At 1312B/25, enemy salvos landed astern of USS Quincy which was just ahead of USS Tuscaloosa. Both ships had to take evasive action.

At 1313B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. She ceased fire 4 minutes later to shift target.

At 1315B/25, USS Ellyson was ordered to lay smoke near HMS Glasgow.

At 1316B/25, USS Nevada was straddled by an enemy salvo that landed 200 yards short.

At 1319B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. Fire was ceased at 1324B/25 but fire was resumed 2 minutes later for 4 minutes. At 1332B/25 fire was re-opened again for another 4 minutes. Spotting had been very difficult due to smoke and haze near the target.

At 1320B/25, USS Quincy was straddled by an enemy salvo by 50 yards.

At 1320B/25, USS Murphy was ordered to conduct a fire support mission and commenced closing her assigned target at high speed. Before fire could be opened USS Murphy came under enemy fire and she was straddled several times. At 1405B/25, USS Murphy retired under smoke.

At 1323B/25, enemy shells landed only 100 yards ahead of USS Tuscaloosa.

At 1324B/25, USS Nevada is straddled again.

At 1329B/25, an enemy salvo landed 200 yards short of USS Nevada's beam. USS Nevada went full speed ahead to throw of the enemy's aim.

At 1335B/25, USS Quincy was straddled by an enemy salvo which landed ahead at a range of 100 yards. A minute later three more salvos followed. Closest one was only 50 yards off.

At 1337B/25, USS Nevada opened fire with her main battery on the enemy gun positions currently firing on her. Range was 21900 yards. Fire was ceased at 1415B/25. Individual results could not be observed as many ships were firing on the same target. During the period that USS Nevada was firing on this target, radical manoeuvring had been necessary due to accurate enemy fire. This continued on until 1434B/25.

At 1337B/25, USS Tuscaloosa established communications with a relief spotting plane.

At 1337B/25, USS Quincy was straddled by an enemy three gun salvo. It landed close under her stern.

At 1339B/25, USS Quincy was straddled. HMS Ellyson was ordered shortly afterwards to cover her with a smoke screens.

At 1342B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire. It was hoped that the air spotter would be of use now, however at 1343B/25 the aircraft had to make a forced landing. Fire was ceased at 1350B/25 but re-opened 3 minutes later to be checked again at 1355B/25. After reversing course fire was re-opened again as soon as possible but was checked once more at 1414B/25. Yet another aircraft had taken over the spotting but she reported being unable to see anything due to the haze and smoke near the target. Later it was reported that the air spotter operating for HMS Glasgow, which was not firing at this time, had observed a direct hit on the target by USS Tuscaloosa.

At 1342B/25, the damaged HMS Glasgow was ordered to retire to the north. USS Ellyson and USS Emmons laid smoke to cover her.

At 1345B/25, USS Quincy was straddled again, enemy rounds landed 200 yards off. USS Emmons laid smoke to cover her. She too came under fire and was near missed by two salvos.

At 1345B/25, USS Gherardi opened fire on a shore target she had been ordered to engage. Fire was shifted to another target, close to the first one, at 1400B/25. Both targets were reported neutralised by the shore fire control party and fire was ceased at 1405B/25. 110 round of 5" HE had been expended.

At 1348B/25, USS Hambleton laid a smoke screen and two minutes later she opened fire on an enemy battery from a range of 14250 yards. On opening fire she ceased making smoke. Only two salvos were fired as USS Hambleton came under heavy fire with many near misses. She quickly retired out of range of the battery manoeuvring radically while doing so.

At 1356B/25, USS Rodman opened fire on an enemy shore battery. 8 salvos were fired before the range became to great.

At 1435B/25, HMS Glasgow was missed by some enemy shells falling ahead. Course was altered to the south-east.

At 1347B/25, USS Quincy was near missed with an enemy shell landing near her starboard bow. USS Emmons commenced to lay smoke to shield the cruiser from the enemy.

At 1405B/25, USS Ellyson commenced laying a smoke screen and then fired 27 rounds of 5" at a German shore battery near Querqueville. Fire was ceased after only one minute because of the inability to observe the fall of shot.

At 1410B/25, USS Gherardi came under enemy fire and then retired northward under smoke.

At 1421B/25, HMS Glasgow opened fire on an enemy battery. Fire was ceased at 1443B/25 when the target was no longer in range. 57 rounds of HE had been expended. Several hits had been obtained within 100 yards of the target area.

At 1423B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on an enemy battery. Fire was ceased after two minutes.

At 1426B/25, USS Quincy opened fire on an enemy battery. Fire was ceased at 1455B/25.

At 1432B/25, USS Hambleton opened fire on a shore target from 14350 yards. While engaging this target radical manoeuvring was carried out to evade return fire. Fire was ceased after six salvos at 1440B/25. She had been forced out of range by enemy fire and retired under smoke.

At 1437B/25, USS Nevada had to radically change course due to a drifting mine being sighted which she just managed to miss.

At 1437B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on an enemy battery. The air observed reported he had been able to see the battery but it soon became obscured by smoke so fire was ceased after 6 rounds had been fired.

At 1441B/25, HMS Glasgow was straddled. She turned away and streamed a smoke float.

At 1444B/25, USS Nevada opened fire with her main battery on a new target. Fire was ceased at 1455B/25, after the air spotter reported that gunfire had been excellent and that there was no need for further firing on that target.

At 1444B/25, USS Rodman opened fire on an enemy shore battery. Fire was ceased at 1545B/25 after a total of 50 rounds had been fired from range between 15000 and 17500 yards. USS Rodman then retired under smoke having come under accurate enemy fire.

At 1446B/25, HMS Glasgow was straddled again. This was a very close call. The cruiser went full speed ahead and took evasive action.

At 1458B/25, CTF 129 ordered all ships to withdraw through swept channel 'No.3' and join up at buoy 'Charlie'.

At 1503B/25, USS Nevada came under fire again and was straddled. Fire was then opened with the main battery on the battery firing on Nevada. One hit on this battery was later reported.

At 1505B/25, USS Quincy opened fire on an enemy target aided by a shore fire control party. Fire was ceased at 1510B/25.

At 1507B/25, a three gun salvo straddled USS Nevada by 300 yards followed one minute later by a three gun salvo which was just 200 yards off.

At 1510B/25, USS Nevada had another close straddle. This one was a large calibre shell which missed by only 25 yards. Large pieces of shrapnel and splinters landed on the deck but there was no damage nor casualties. The main battery of USS Nevada now ceased firing on her current fire and intended to shift target to another enemy gun battery which was believed to be the one now straddling the battleship. The spotting aircraft however had difficulty locating the target due to enemy AA gunfire.

At 1511B/25, USS Quincy opened fire on an enemy target aided by an air spotter. Fire was ceased at 1530B/25.

At 1513B/25, an enemy salvo landed within 100 yards of USS Nevada which subsequently altered course to evade then enemy's aim.

At 1513B/25, USS Ellyson and USS Hambleton commenced laying smoke to cover the withdrawal of Group I.

At 1515B/25, USS Tuscaloosa opened fire on a casemated gun emplacement from a range of 25400 yards. Fire was ceased at 1540B/25. A direct hit was reported with more rounds hitting the immediate area around the casemate.

At 1520B/25, the aircraft spotting for USS Nevada finally located the enemy battery firing on the battleship. Fire was opened with the main battery on this target at 1522B/25. Range was 26300 yards. Fire was ceased after 6 rounds at 1525B/25. All rounds had straddled the target. Fire was ceased upon receiving the order to retire.

Around 1540B/25, Group I entered approach channel 'No.1' to return to Portland.

At 1820B/25, HMS Enterprise was detached to proceed to Portsmouth to re-ammunition there.

Around 1945B/25, Group I arrived at Portland.

Movements of Group II.

Group II departed Portland around 0330B/25. Around 0945B/25, Group II arrived in the assigned bombardment area. The minesweepers were still sweeping the area at this time.

At 1208B/25, USS Arkansas opened fire on an enemy battery from a range of 18000 yards. Results were unknown but two hits were thought possible. Fire was ceased at 1245B/25.

At 1228B/25, Group II and accompanying mineweepers were taken under fire by German shore batteries. Their first salvo landed near USS Barton, USS O'Brien and some of the minesweepers. At 1229B/25, USS Barton and USS O'Brien immediately opened counter battery fire after USS Barton had located the source of the enemy gunfire.

At 1230B/30, USS Barton was straddled and also suffered a hit in her after diesel engine room. Fortunately the projectile was a dud.

At 1232B/30, USS Laffey was straddled and also suffered a hit in her port bow near the anchor. This projectile was also a dud.

At 1234B/30, USS Texas was straddled several times and evasive action had to be taken.

At 1235B/30, USS Barton commenced counter-battery fire.

At 1237B/30, USS Barton was ordered to draw further ahead and be prepared to make smoke.

At 1238B/25, USS Texas opened fire on a shore battery. Range was 19200 yards. The results were doubtful as it is believed the spotter aircraft was in error as to the location of the target. Only six rounds were fired.

At 1241B/25, USS Barton, USS O'Brien, USS Laffey and USS Plunkett were now covering the minesweepers with counter-battery fire as indicated by flashes on the beach. The destroyers fire was intermittent due to the difficulty in spotting due to the heavy smoke in the target area.

At 1242B/25, USS Texas was straddled close to starboard.

At 1244B/25, USS Texas shifted fire to another shore battery.

At 1245B/25, USS Texas was straddled by two salvos followed by four more as the enemy had apparently found the range and commenced rapid firing. USS Arkansas reversed course to avoid USS Texas and therefore had to cease firing.

At 1246B/25, USS Texas was straddled to port.

At 1252B/25, USS Arkansas opened fire on a new target. 1000 yards from her previous target. Range was 20000 yards. Fire was ceased on this target at 1325B/25.

At 1254B/25, USS O'Brien was straddled followed by a hit which carried away the aft portion of the bridge. 13 of the crew were killed and 19 were injured.

At 1254B/25, USS Texas and USS Arkansas turned to the northwards with USS Hobson and USS Plunkett making smoke and screening. The minesweepers also retired to the northward making smoke.

At 1255B/25, USS Barton positioned herself between the minesweepers and the enemy laying smoke.

At 1256B/25, USS Texas was straddled astern. She then turned westwards with USS Arkansas following.

Between 1302 and 1500B/25, USS Texas fired 170 rounds with her main battery on an enemy shore battery believed to be. Many shells landed in the target area and one direct hit was observed by the air spotter.

At 1316B/25, USS Texas was hit by a large calibre enemy shell which wrecked the pilot house and all control equipment. She immediately altered course to the northward to asses the damage. There was 1 dead and 12 wounded.

At 1317B/25, USS Texas was straddled. She then took avoiding action and the escorting destroyers started to make smoke again.

At 1323B/23, a fire broke out on the stern of USS Texas which was quickly extinguished.

The enemy then concentrated on USS Arkansas which was straddled several times until smoke screens, laid by USS Plunkett and USS Hobson became too dense and the enemy fire was lifted around 1325B/25.

Around 1339B/25, USS Texas turned to the south-east after control of the ship had been transferred to the conning tower.

At 1401B/25, USS Arkansas re-opened fire from 19000 yards. Fire was ceased after 6 minutes when USS Arkansas was straddled. 8 rounds had been fired.

At 1443B/25, both USS Texas and USS Arkansas opened fire. Both fired on different targets.

At 1447B/25, USS Texas was hit by a did on the port side near frame 19 tearing a hole 3" by 2" above the waterline.

At 1454B/25, both USS Texas and USS Arkansas were straddled. It was then decided to retire northwards. USS Plunkett and USS Hobson laying smoke to cover the battleships.

At 1500B/25, both battleships ceased fire.

At 1504B/25, Group II was ordered to return to Portland by CTG 129.

Around 2230B/25, Task Unit 129.2 arrived in Portland Bay after an uneventful passage. (46)

28 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600B/28, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Portland Bay for Plymouth where she arrived around 2030B/28. (42)

30 Jun 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1550B/30, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Plymouth for Belfast Lough. (42)

1 Jul 1944
Around 1215B/1, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived in Belfast Lough from Plymouth. Around 2145B/1, she departed for the Tyne where she is to refit. (47)

3 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0630B/3, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at North Shields from Belfast Lough. (47)

6 Jul 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) is towed up river to the Palmers shipyard where she is taken in hand for refit. (47)

24 Nov 1944
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) is undocked.

[We have been unable to find the date she was docked. There is no such entry in the ships log.] (48)

8 Dec 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) is docked at Hebburn-on-Tyne. (49)

24 Mar 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) is undocked. (50)

20 May 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) underwent an inclining test in No.2 graving dock at Hebburn-on-Tyne. (51)

16 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) proceeded from the Palmers shipyard at Hebburn-on-Tyne downriver to North Shields. (52)

18 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted gunnery trials off the Tyne. (52)

26 Jun 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted trials off the Tyne. (52)

29 Jun 1945
Around 1040B/29, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed North Shields for Rosyth where she arrived around 1915B/29. (52)

2 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) proceeded from Rosyth to Methil. (53)

5 Jul 1945
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted trials off Methil on completion of which he proceeded to Rosyth. (53)

10 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted trials off the Firth of Forth. (53)

14 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800B/14, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Rosyth for Scapa Flow where she arrived around 2200B/14. (53)

16 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted radar calibration trials at Scapa Flow. (53)

19 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted radar calibration trials off Scapa Flow. (53)

21 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted radar tests with aircraft off Scapa Flow. (53)

24 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted AA gunnery and torpedo firing exercises off Scapa Flow. (53)

26 Jul 1945
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) conducted radar calibration trials with aircraft off Scapa Flow. On completion of the exercises she anchored in Thurso Bay. (53)

27 Jul 1945
Around 0700A/27, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Thurso Bay for Greenock where she arrived around 2245A/27. (53)

30 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200A/30, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Greenock for Portsmouth. (53)

31 Jul 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1805A/31, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Portsmouth from Greenock. (53)

3 Aug 1945
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) is docked in No.15 graving dock at the Portsmouth Dockyard.

[The ships log gives no.17 dock but there is, and never was,such a dock at the Portsmouth Dockyard] (54)

16 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) is undocked. (55)

22 Aug 1945
Around 1200A/22, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Portsmouth for Gibraltar.

HMS Glasgow was to join the British Pacific Fleet. (55)

25 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0920B/25, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Gibraltar from Portsmouth. (55)

26 Aug 1945 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845B/26, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) departed Gibraltar for Malta. (55)

29 Aug 1945
Around 1800B/29, HMS Glasgow (Capt. C.P. Clarke, DSO, RN) arrived at Malta from Gibraltar.

At Malta she commenced a short work-up period before she continued her passage to the Pacific. (55)

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